Traumatic Brain Injury May Show No Visible Damage But Can Have Devastating Effect

Jack Landskroner

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When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident, workplace or industrial accident, or as the result of a fall, concussion or other traumatic event, the impact of the injury can be severe or appear to be almost non-existent. However, a TBI can do significant damage without leaving any visible signs, so the initial injury is often dismissed as just a bump on the head when far more damage has been done.

"There are countless 'walking wounded' who look just fine on the outside, but who aren't the same on the inside," says Jonathan Lifshitz, an assistant professor at the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center

TBI can result in changes to mental processing that are profound, profuse and permanent. Thinking can be slowed, attention dulled, memory muddled and judgment impaired, says Keith Cicerone, director of neuropsychology at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, N.J.

If you or a loved one has endured a traumatic brain injury and need help Therapy can help people cope with the changes, but it doesn't always repair the damage. Long term care plans or "life care plans" become an integral part to planning and caring for a brain damaged patient. As a family member of one who has endured a TBI, there are also many pitfalls and legalities which must be endured. Take time to find quality health care providers and competent counsel who are familiar with these issues.