The last thing anyone wants is to be involved in a crash with a large truck, but those types of crashes are common. When a smaller passenger vehicle is struck by a large truck, the people inside are more likely to be badly hurt or killed.
Many people struggle with traumatic brain injuries as a result of large truck crashes and the intense impacts they cause. These injuries may take many years to heal, and some may last a lifetime. Traumatic brain injury after-effects can continue long after the collision and physical damage has healed.
Acute effects from traumatic brain injuries happen during the first stage of the injury. Some of these may include:
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Losing consciousness
- Sleepiness
- Feeling stunned
- Nausea
- Dilation of one or both pupils
These symptoms usually resolve once the swelling in the brain goes down and some time is used to recover. Longer-term effects could last a lifetime, though.
Long-term effects of TBIs continue to impact patients well into the future
The long-term effects of TBIs may continue to impact patients well into the future. These symptoms may develop gradually over time, so they might not be apparent at first. Some of these effects may include:
- Trouble with cognitive function, such as trouble with the memory, reading or language
- Mood regulation issues
- An inability to filter stimuli in the environment
- Sensory/motor function problems
- Coordination issues
- Alertness/energy problems
A traumatic brain injury needs to be treated right away. Unfortunately, even with treatment, some of these long-term symptoms could remain.
How can you help yourself recover from a TBI?
To help yourself recover from a TBI, consider:
- Getting good nutrition
- Correcting any hormonal balances caused by the injury
- Eliminating sources of inflammation, such as allergens or mold
- Controlling autoimmune conditions
- Exercising regularly and working on restorative behaviors, like getting enough sleep
Physical and occupational therapy may also help some people who struggle with a TBI.
Patients with TBIs deserve support. Those who are injured by a dangerous truck driver should look into filing a claim, so they can focus on their recovery and work toward an acceptable settlement.