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TBIs and Suicide

TBIs and Suicide

TBIs and Suicide 150 150 CMZ Law Lufkin/Houston

What are the long term consequences of a traumatic brain injury?

As medicine continues to advance, researchers are uncovering more troubling potential long term consequences stemming from traumatic brain injuries. Recently, the mother of a 22-year-old son who committed suicide published a book exploring the link between his death and a childhood TBI. While most doctors treat traumatic brain injuries as a self-resolving incident, the reality is that many TBI sufferers experience lifelong effects from their injury. Our Houston, Texas personal injury lawyers discuss the link between TBIs and suicide, along with other lasting problems.

Exploring the Link Between TBI and Suicide

In her book “A Call to Mind: A Study of Undiagnosed Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury,” Claire Galloway tells the story of her son Luke. At three years old, Luke was struck in the head by a swing. He was dazed from the injury, but as he showed no other signs, the physician recommended just 24 hours of home observation.

After the accident, Luke’s personality changed drastically. He went from an easy going and happy child to an anxious one. As he grew, more symptoms emerged. He would clench and shake his fists, which was later found to stem from mini seizures. He struggled in school. He became depressed. Finally, at the age of 18 he was diagnosed with a brain injury, but it came too late. He killed himself at the age of 22.

TBIs Long Term

Each year, over 1.4 million people will suffer a traumatic brain injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of those who suffer a mild TBI will return to their baseline state within one year. At least five million TBI sufferers, however, currently have long term problems with daily living stemming from the accident.

Suicide is just one of the many potential long term impacts of a serious TBI. Other long term conditions include memory problems, aggression, psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, seizures, difficulty thinking, attention deficits, and much more. All too often, the original TBI is not diagnosed until years after the accident, once the patient continues to experience issues. At that point, treatment options are more limited. For this reason, anyone who suffers a blow to the head should seek medical treatment right away. After you have received medical treatment, contact us to inquire about potential compensation you are owed for damages caused by your injuries.