Brain injuries are severe and potentially catastrophic, regardless of a person’s age. However, in children, these injuries are often far more devastating due to the fact that they are still in the developmental stages of life. In some cases, a child’s brain can continue to develop without any negative effects, but in other cases, a brain injury can cause a disturbance in growth or development, resulting in permanent damage. Unfortunately, for parents, it is generally difficult to detect the level of damage a brain injury has caused until much later, when it is more apparent that certain cognitive functions are impaired.
Determining the level of brain damage in an adult it usually easier since an adult’s personality is already established. Moreover, adults are better able to communicate any changes they are experiencing, which allows medical professionals to gather more data and information to provide a more accurate diagnosis. Whether the brain injury victim is a child or an adult, it is imperative to understand the scope of the injury and any of its resulting deficits through the use of neuropsychological and behavioral testing.
HOW DO BRAIN INJURIES CHANGE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN?
No two injuries are alike and, therefore, the effects a child experiences will always differ. That said, there are some common problems and symptoms shared by child brain injury victims. Some of these long-term complications and symptoms include:
- Physical changes: In children, motor skills might be reduced or absent and they might miss crucial developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, reaching, and speaking.
- Emotional changes: Children who sustain brain injuries might become depressed, frustrated, or denial regarding the changes they are experiencing.
- Social functioning: Children might change how they relate to others, which might lead to social interaction difficulties or socially inappropriate behavior.
- Learning and memory difficulties: Brain injuries can potentially result in significant damage to a child’s short-term memory, which can impact their ability to learn and retain new information.
- Executive functioning: Children with brain injuries tend to experience difficulties with focusing, planning ahead, multitasking, and other mental tasks.
- Educational achievements: As a result of these impairments, children who sustain brain injuries might experience far greater challenges when it comes to academic pursuits.
HOW DO BRAIN INJURIES CHANGE THE LIVES OF ADULTS?
Adult brain injury victims might also experience some symptoms that are similar to those in children, but are generally less severe since the brain is already fully developed. Below are some of the effects a brain injury might have on an adult:
- Impaired cognitive skills: Adult brain injury victims might have issues performing skills or tasks that they previously mastered, including reading and writing. Speaking might also be difficult and it might take longer to solve problems.
- Mood and behavioral changes: Adults with brain injuries might also experience severe mood swings and other behavioral issues that could result in frustration, anger, and depression.
- Changes in senses and perception: Additionally, all of an adult’s senses, including vision and hearing, are often affected by brain injuries.
SKILLED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS IN TULSA
If you or a loved one sustained a serious brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligent or careless actions, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation to cover the costs and suffering associated with your injury. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC in Tulsa, our skilled team of personal injury attorney is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation on behalf of those who have been wrongfully injured. Backed by over 100 years of collective experience, you can be certain your case will be in good hands with us.
Get started on your brain injury case today and reach out to our law firm at 918-492-7674 to request a free initial case evaluation with one of our compassionate attorneys.