How Long Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Last?

For many victims, a traumatic brain injury is the most devastating outcome of an accident. Traumatic brain injuries run the gamut from a mild concussion that heals on its own in a matter of days to lifelong injuries that leave you permanently paralyzed and unable to communicate verbally.

In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, you may be left wondering how long it will take for your TBI to heal. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re struggling with a personal injury, call Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short at 334-821-3892 to talk about your case.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

 Traumatic brain injuries are categorized and described in several different ways, making it easier to understand what type of injury you have sustained and what your outlook may be. Common categorization options include:

• Primary vs. secondary injury. A primary injury is one that occurs at the time of the accident. This includes injuries like intracranial hematomas and skull fractures. A secondary injury is one that occurs because of changes in the brain caused by the accident; the injury itself occurs after the initial accident. Examples include ischemia, cerebral edema, and hydrocephalus.
• Penetrating vs. closed injury. A penetrating traumatic brain injury is one where the outer layer of the meninges (also known as the dura) is penetrated. This includes gunshot wounds, shattered pieces of glass penetrating the brain, or knives entering the brain. A closed traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is damaged without the outer meninges layer being pierced. Examples include a concussion, cerebral contusion, and intracranial hematoma.
• Mild vs. moderate vs. severe injury. Traumatic brain injuries are also defined by their severity. A mild TBI results in a short loss of consciousness and produces normal brain imaging results. A moderate TBI causes loss of consciousness for up to 24 hours and produces abnormal imaging results. A severe TBI may cause a coma or loss of consciousness that lasts more than 24 hours.

The Healing Process

The healing process depends largely on the severity of the injury and the quality of your medical care. For some injuries, there is nothing you can do but rest. Others require surgical and medical intervention to reduce swelling and lessen pressure on the brain, both of which can lead to permanent brain damage.

As you move through each stage of recovery, plan on having your progress assessed multiple times. With the help of EEG, MRIs, CAT scans, and other diagnostic tools, your care providers will be able to explore your progress and figure out your next step.

Plan on spending a lot of time resting and reacclimatizing to regular life. Traumatic brain injuries are associated with irritability, distractibility, issues with memory retention, and moodiness. To limit the struggles you experience, your doctor may have you reintroduce yourself to different aspects of daily life gradually.

How Long You May Be in Recovery

Each TBI patient has a unique path to recovery. The brain is the most complex organ, and your recovery pain depends on your age, general health, brain plasticity, and commitment to therapy and treatment. The majority of patients reach their maximum level of recovery by two years after the accident. While some patients experience massive changes after the two-year period, this is fairly rare. Most people experience few or no changes after two years.

Generally, the more severe your injury is, the longer your recovery time is. For example, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is painful, causes changes in mood and ability to concentrate, and may limit your ability to work for some time, but it generally heals within 10 days. Those with severe TBIs, such as those that cause permanent immobility or loss of communication skills, may have these symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Turn to Us During This Challenging Time

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to go through the legal process on your own. You need a strong advocate whose only goal is to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short is here to help you. Call our team at 334-821-3892 or reach out online to discuss your legal options.