The More Subtle Consequences Of A Head Injury
Posted by
Bob CarrollSeptember 19, 2005 10:13 AMFrom England comes the results of a study of long term consequences of traumatic brain injuries from the perspective of the victims themselves.
“Head injury leads to a wide range of emotional, social, cognitive and physical difficulties, with primary care teams and various speciality services providing support and care to those who have returned to a home environment. Whilst most areas of outcome mentioned by survivors are already well known, areas of outcome where more attention might be deserved include: difficulties with group conversations in individuals who have no problems with one-to-one conversations, sensitivity to concerns relating to changes in physical appearance, the consideration of sense of loss amongst individuals following injury and the various misconceptions and negative reactions from others.”
From England comes the results of a study of long term consequences of traumatic brain injuries from the perspective of the victims themselves.
“Head injury leads to a wide range of emotional, social, cognitive and physical difficulties, with primary care teams and various speciality services providing support and care to those who have returned to a home environment. Whilst most areas of outcome mentioned by survivors are already well known, areas of outcome where more attention might be deserved include: difficulties with group conversations in individuals who have no problems with one-to-one conversations, sensitivity to concerns relating to changes in physical appearance, the consideration of sense of loss amongst individuals following injury and the various misconceptions and negative reactions from others.”
The study, available in full text at BioMedCentral, approached its subject by actually talking at length with persons who had experienced the consequences of a head injury for one to ten years.
These reported problems should enlighten the attorney seeking full compensation for a client who has sustained a traumatic head injury. They are subtle and subjective, to be sure, but should be included in the evidence presented in support of a claim.
I would add the observation from the representation of the injured victims and their families that family relationships, especially those between a husband and wife, are impacted adversely in many situations. Despite the best efforts of spouses some marriages are weakened or even destroyed. On the positive side, some marital relationships become closer and more loving. There is a need to carefully observe and consider what is happening, or is likely to happen, to these relationships over time.