When someone sustains a brain injury as a result of medical malpractice, it is quite common for that person to experience memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive problems. While adverse cognitive effects such as these are quite common following a brain injury, so are physical effects such as coordination and balance problems.
Balance Issues Following a Brain Injury
Brain trauma can cause inner ear problems that can cause vertigo (the sensation of spinning) and disequilibrium (the feeling of being unsteady on one’s feet). Consequently, one’s balance is adversely affected. Additionally, trauma to the brain can cause problems with eyesight, which can also cause balance issues. Another way balance issues occur following a brain injury is when nerves are damaged. When the brain cannot receive the message due to nerve damage, a person may not be able to keep his or her balance.
Coordination Problems After a Brain Injury
Just how bad one’s coordination is depends on the seriousness of the injury and the part of the brain injured. However, most people with traumatic brain injuries do experience problems with their coordination. This is because any damage to the brain can affect someone’s physical strength, thoughts, and senses—all things needed to maintain coordination.
Trauma to the brain may also cause a person to experience weakness and reduced reflexes and sensation, which can affect one’s coordination. When discoordination occurs, it can affect the left side, right side, or—in rare circumstances—both sides of the body. When one side of the body wants to do its own thing, it can be really difficult to improve one’s coordination. This is why it is essential that someone with a brain injury who is experiencing problems with coordination seek treatment.
What Treatment Is Recommended?
It is important to talk to one’s physician about any type of coordination and balance issues following a brain injury. Sometimes, a change in medication can help make things better; however, typical treatment for coordination and balance issues includes physical therapy. Through physical therapy, a brain injury victim may be able to improve one’s strength, flexibility, balance, walking, and coordination.
The Importance of Coordination and Balance
Because coordination and balance are needed to walk safely, brain injury victims who suffer these adverse effects are at risk of falling and sustaining broken bones or another brain injury. Additionally, a person who experiences problems with coordination and balance will not be able to drive or participate in certain activities or hobbies. Poor balance and coordination can even keep a person from working or limit the types of job a person can have. This is why brain injury survivors deserve fair compensation for all aspects of their lives that have negatively changed.
For a free consultation about your case and to learn more about pursuing a medical malpractice claim, call our office at (703) 721-4233 to speak with an experienced attorney.
