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A Traumatic Brain Injury During Childhood May Have Long-Lasting Effects

| Oct 2, 2013 | Brain Injury, Child Safety, Health & Safety

Our brains consist of cells that do not have strong regenerative properties, meaning that any damage done may be permanent or take decades to physically heal. Due to this long-lasting effect of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), children who have suffered a TBI are often impacted more than an adult and will experience the symptoms for longer periods of time, if not the rest of their lives. A TBI to a child disrupts their minds, which are literally and figuratively growing. The child’s cognitive abilities and psychological functioning can be severely impaired, making it difficult or impossible for them to learn new concepts and develop motor control of their bodies. When their visuospatial skills and working memory, which enable them to perform tasks and respond to feedback, are damaged by a TBI, they may struggle in school and fail to hold a job as a teenager or adult. Pinpointing and treating the disruption in brain connectivity between neural networks is incredibly difficult for neurologists and neuroscientists, especially since any sort of operation is generally far riskier on youths.

Helpful Hints to Prevent Childhood TBIs

The subtlety of brain injuries may lead some parents to falsely believe that their child is fine because they “seem fine on the surface.” Diagnosing a brain injury early may reduce its final impact. But preventing a TBI in the first place is even better. If you have a child, please keep these safety tips in mind to help protect them:

  • Never forgo helmets: If your child rides a bike or participates in sports that require a helmet, provide them with a properly fitting one and ensure they wear it whenever necessary. This may mean purchasing several helmets throughout the years as your child ages but it is certainly worth it.
  • Buckle up correctly: You should never drive a vehicle in it with any passengers unbuckled. For children, you will need to secure them in child safety seats until they are old enough to do without them. HealthyChildren.org has useful information regarding child safety seats if you are unsure which one is right for your child. Click here for more details.
  • Poolside safety: Nonfatal drowning incidents often lead to permanent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen for an extended period of time. Closely monitor all children near or in pools to prevent drowning incidents.

Legal Action After an Injury

If your child does suffer a head or brain injury, the lifelong consequences could require lifelong and costly finances to treat. Filing a lawsuit against the liable party may be able to grant you maximized compensation that helps you pay for medical options and procedures. For professional help filing your claim, contact Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. and our Toledo personal injury attorneys today.

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