Although most children who suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) make a full recovery, those with moderate to severe cases may experience long-term effects. This information, outlined in a recent study, is one that parents should be aware of when pursuing a personal injury case. Learn more about the lasting consequences of a head injury, and what you can do if one happens to your child during an auto accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident.
Lasting Effects of Moderate TBI
The study in question examined the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury in a total of 729 children. To determine each child’s pre-injury status, researchers conducted phone interviews with parents. Children were then assessed at three months, one year, and two years after their injury to determine if the child had any issues with:
- Depression;
- Interacting with other children;
- Memory;
- Concentration;
- Holding a conversation; and
- Daily living activities (brushing their teeth, using the toilet, etc.).
Results of the TBI group were then compared to the results of 197 children who had suffered arm injuries over the same time period.
Overall, about 85 percent of the children suffered some form of trauma after their injury, and some continued to have deficits after three months. Thankfully, those with minor injuries seemed to overcome such challenges by the end of the study, but that was not the case with all the participants.
Severe TBI and Diminished Quality of Life
At the end of the two-year study, children who had experienced mild injuries with hemorrhaging, moderate injuries, and severe injuries still faced challenges in their day-to-day life. More specifically, they struggled in school, in sports, and in their daily activities. The most severely injured were also reported to experience a quality of life that is lower than that of children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
Protecting Your Child from Injury
Sports were said to be a common cause of traumatic brain injury among young children, but so were auto accidents. As such, parents should ensure their child is always properly secured in a vehicle. Parents can also protect their children by ensuring they understand pedestrian and bicycle safety (i.e. wearing a helmet, only crossing the street with an adult, etc.).
If an accident or injury does occur, parents are encouraged to contact an experienced Wheaton personal injury attorney for legal assistance with their case. Our dedicated team will review the details of the accident and work to hold the proper parties accountable for their actions and negligence. Call 630-462-1980 for a free consultation with Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered today.
Source:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/10/27/children-with-head-injuries-can-face-lifetime-of-problems
