The effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) vary widely. There are mild and severe ones, there are short and long term consequences, and there are temporary and permanent effects. In any case, the consequences of a brain injury can weigh heavily on victims and their families, causing significant hardship for everyone affected. Follow this link to learn more about the effects of brain injury on family members.

Determining Risk and Potential Effects
How Physicians Tell

Most victims experience a period of unconsciousness. The length and level of this state of unconsciousness is an important indicator of how serious the effects of the brain injury will be. Most often, medical professionals measure consciousness and brain injury severity based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This scale assigns numbers to eye, verbal and motor responsiveness then adds those numbers together for a total GCS number between 1 and 15. A GCS of 8 or lower puts victims at the greatest risk for serious long-term disability or death. Read more about the Glasgow Coma Scale and other techniques for evaluating traumatic brain injuries.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Those who do not enter an unconscious state, or who recover from unconsciousness within 30 minutes with a GCS of 13-15 are classified as having a minor traumatic brain injury. These patients may experience disorientation, dizziness, lack of balance (lack of balance and brain injuries), confusion, vision blurring, hearing (brain injury hearing problems), and temporary memory loss (TBI memory loss). The effects of a mild TBI may be periodically present for up to a year, along with possible headaches, fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, depression, mood swings, and seizures. Many minor injuries are the result of concussions. Learn more about mild concussions.

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Patients who are unconscious for 30 minutes to 24 hours, with a GCS of 9-12, are considered to have a moderate brain injury. Moderate injuries are characterized by more serious effects. These may include inability to communicate, partial paralysis, and diminished cognitive skills. Patients with moderate injuries are more likely to recover than those with a more severe prognosis, and may benefit from rehabilitation therapy.

Serious Traumatic Brain Injury

Those who remain in a state of coma for more than 24 hours will have a GCS of 8 or lower and are at a very high risk for life-long disabilities, a permanent vegetative condition, or death. These cases are considered serious and the victims and their families are very likely to experience the most difficult physical, emotional and financial hardships.

If the effects of brain injury have become a hardship for you and your family, you may find relief by filling out the contact form provided. LegalView will refer you to a lawyer in your area who can provide counsel on your potential claim.