Are you aware it's Brain Injury Awareness Month? - II

Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America puts on Brain Injury Awareness Month, using the 31 days as a platform in which to empower, de-stigmatize and provide useful information to those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones. Indeed, the theme of this year’s campaign is “Not Alone.”

As a show of solidarity, our last post started providing some basic background information on TBIs and we’ll continue these efforts in today’s post.

Is the impact of all TBIs the same?

When it comes to TBIs, the impact varies from person to person, such that no two brain injuries are ever really the same. However, trauma to certain regions of the brain has been linked to the onset of certain symptoms.

How does this work?

You’ve often heard the expression that people are left-brained or right-brained, meaning they’re perhaps more inclined to be analytical, scientific and objective, or more intuitive, creative and subjective.

Indeed, it’s true that the two sides of the brain are responsible for various functions and that certain patterns of dysfunction have been observed when injuries occur to either side.

What happens if people suffer injuries to the left side of the brain?

Injuries to the left side of the brain have been linked to difficulties understanding language or speaking, anxiety, depression, verbal memory problems and a loss of control over bodily movement on the right side of the body.

What happens if people suffer injuries to the right side of the brain?

Injuries to the right side of the brain have been linked to visual memory problems, altered perception of both creativity and music, inability to think of the “big picture” and a loss of control over bodily movement on the left side of the body.

If the reckless actions of another have caused you or a loved one to suffer a TBI, please consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and your options.