Brain injuries tend to heal differently than other types of injuries. For instance, a broken bone may heal completely with enough time and proper medical care. Even if the injury was severe at first, many people eventually make a full recovery.
However, with serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), this type of complete healing may never happen. Often, the most improvement is seen within the first year of the injury. After this, healing may slow down or even plateau. Many who suffer from TBIs find themselves dealing with lifelong disabilities and lasting symptoms.
Why does this happen?
The brain heals differently than other organs. In many cases, it cannot produce new brain cells or neurons. If a serious injury has caused the loss of certain neurons, the brain may not be able to return to its original state. Instead, it begins looking for new pathways and connections. With time and rehabilitation, the brain can start to make these connections, allowing patients to recover some skills or abilities. However, this process is limited, which is why some symptoms may last indefinitely.
The extent of the healing also depends on the part of the brain that was injured. For instance, some scientists believe that the hippocampus can produce new neurons, which has major implications for those dealing with memory issues. However, every brain injury is unique, so some patients may experience more significant healing than others, depending on the severity and location of the injury within the brain.
A TBI can cause significant financial issues. This is especially true if it causes long-term issues. Those who have been injured due to another party’s actions or negligence shouldn’t settle a claim until they know the full extent of their expenses and other damages. Having legal guidance can help you seek a fair settlement.