People who are involved in a car crash can suffer from a variety of injuries. One of these is a traumatic brain injury. This type of injury can lead to long-lasting effects that can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life.
Cognitive abilities are one of the areas that can be impacted. Working and other normal life activities can become more difficult because of this change.
What are some cognitive abilities that can change because of a TBI?
Cognitive abilities have to do with the thought process. While some people won’t experience any of these, others might. All of these changes can be permanent, but some people may notice improvements in some areas.
- Memory problems: Difficulty remembering new information, as well as issues with short-term and long-term memory
- Attention and concentration issues: Struggling to maintain focus on tasks or conversations, and difficulty multitasking
- Executive function deficits: Challenges in planning, organizing, initiating and completing tasks, as well as issues with problem-solving and decision-making
- Language and communication difficulties: Problems with understanding and producing spoken or written language, including difficulties with word-finding, comprehension and following conversations
- Visual and spatial impairments: Trouble processing visual information, perceiving depth, and recognizing faces or objects
- Speed of mental processing: Slower thinking, difficulty understanding complex concepts and taking longer to process information
- Emotional and behavioral changes: Increased irritability, impulsivity, mood swings, anxiety, and depression
It is important to note that every individual’s experience with TBI is unique, and the long-term cognitive effects may vary accordingly. Rehabilitation programs and support from healthcare professionals can help improve cognitive function and overall quality of life for individuals with TBI. These can be costly, so some victims may choose to seek compensation from the party responsible for the accident that caused the TBI.