What is an Acquired Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a lifetime of debilitation and distress. If you or a loved one has sustained an ABI due to an accident caused by someone else’s actions, consult with a brain injury lawyer at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. We are committed to holding those at fault accountable for their negligence and ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve for your brain injury.

Table of Contents

The Basics

An ABI is a form of brain injury that typically results from an accident. It can lead to temporary or permanent impairments in cognitive, physical, emotional, or behavioral functioning. For individuals affected by an ABI, the consequences can be life-altering.

ABIs typically fall into one of two main categories based on their causes: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non-traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury occurs due to an external force or trauma to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Common causes of TBIs include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and acts of violence such as assaults.

Non-traumatic brain injury, on the other hand, results from internal factors such as medical conditions or exposure to harmful substances. Causes of non-traumatic brain injuries include strokes, infections like meningitis or encephalitis, brain tumors, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), aneurysms, and toxic exposures such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ABI can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. They include the following:

Cognitive symptoms often include memory loss, difficulty retaining new information, impaired concentration, and challenges with problem-solving and decision-making. Victims may also experience confusion and disorientation.
Physical symptoms frequently encompass headaches, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, and motor impairments such as weakness or paralysis.
Emotional and behavioral symptoms might include mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, aggression, and changes in personality or social behavior. In addition, people with acquired brain injury often experience sensory symptoms like visual disturbances, hearing loss, tinnitus, and heightened sensitivity to light or sound.

Treatment

Treatment for ABI typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Emergency medical interventions address life-threatening conditions, and surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure, repair fractures, or remove tumors. Rehabilitation is a critical component of ABI treatment, typically involving:

Physical therapy to improve mobility, strength, and coordination.
Occupational therapy to enhance daily living skills and independence.
Speech and language therapy to address communication and swallowing difficulties.
Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, attention, and executive functions.
Psychotherapy or counseling to support emotional and behavioral health.

Doctors may also prescribe medications to manage symptoms such as pain, seizures, and mood disorders.

How a Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help

The costs of treating an acquired brain injury can be extensive. A skilled brain injury lawyer can help victims afford all necessary treatment options by investigating to determine fault for the accident and then pursuing compensation from the responsible parties’ insurance companies.

For individuals and their families dealing with the aftermath of an acquired brain injury, having knowledgeable and experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in their journey toward recovery and rehabilitation. Contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP online or call (832) 402-6637 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.