Your brain is an extremely complex and fragile organ. It not only controls how you move, function, and think, but also how you feel—making it the central hub of your entire body. Unfortunately, this means any type of brain damage, even minor trauma, could be catastrophic.
However, different types of trauma can have different effects. For example, physical trauma can cause a host of cognitive and physical impairments, while psychological trauma can affect your overall mental state and ability to function normally. Both types of injury can be debilitating, but in different ways.
TBI vs. PTSD: Effects of Trauma on the Brain
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects how the brain works by disrupting normal synapse and nerve function. Any major impact force can cause irreparable physical damage to the brain and therefore disrupt cognitive and physical function. The following are possible results of a TBI:
- Lacerations and swelling can limit vital oxygen flow and cause cell deterioration.
- Neural pathways can become cut off, limiting body, speech, and memory function.
- Damage to the front part of the brain can also alter mood and psychological states, as the frontal cortex controls feelings and emotions.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the psychological state without showing physical brain damage. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatizing event. Although the trauma doesn’t have to be physical, witnessing an event can be enough to cause psychological damage. This damage can have extreme effects on daily life by producing anxiety, fear, remorse, guilt, and feelings of helplessness. When diagnosing PTSD, the American Psychiatric Association recommends that doctors take the following factors into account:
- Was the victim exposed to a horrific, gruesome, or life-threatening event?
- Does he experience recurring nightmares, painful memories, or a sense that he is reliving the trauma on a regular basis?
- Does he exhibit psychological avoidance such as selective amnesia, societal withdrawal, or emotional complacency?
- Does he suffer from extreme nervous reactions such as uncontrollable irritability, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, or bouts of depression or rage?
No matter what kind of injury you suffered, if you feel that your brain has been affected as a result of a particular incident you need to get medical help.
Finding the Help You Need
TBI and PTSD treatments can not only be expensive, but they’re often long term. Unfortunately, this means that recovery could cost you your future plans. However, you can help secure your family’s future by contacting us today. Our extensive knowledge and experience with brain injury claims can help ensure that you get compensation for your injury in order to offset recovery costs.
Need more information about TBIs, PTSD, or injury claims? Feel free to browse our site for additional advice, facts, and statistics, or contact us directly at 703-721-4233 to discuss your legal filing options. Remember, we’re here to fight for your financial future, but we can’t have your back until you let us. Call now!