It doesn’t take much for a small bang on the head to cause severe damage to your brain. Even a small bump can lead to impairment, which we know as a concussion. And, because of the delicate nature of the brain, it can sometimes take months – or years – for symptoms to stop causing problems – if at all. But what exactly is brain trauma, and how can it affect you? We’re going to find out in this brief guide.

Mild brain trauma

There are two types of brain injury: mild and severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries usually involve a mild concussion. You might experience confusion and disorientation after getting a bang on the head. When the injury is mild, these symptoms will only last a half hour or so. However, mild trauma can also produce devastating effects, not just to the injured party, but also to their family. Long-term symptoms include headaches, mood swings, attention deficits and more. Because of the generic nature of these symptoms, they are often overlooked.

Severe brain trauma

If you suffer a head injury and are unconscious for more than 30 minutes, you have a severe traumatic brain injury. You may also have a severe trauma if you suffer skull penetration or memory loss for more than 24 hours. Symptoms can be serious. You might end up in a coma, or lose a lot of cognitive ability. You may even lose the function in your arms and legs. Severe brain trauma victims also report a loss of thinking ability and difficulty in processing emotions. Needless to say, the impact on everyone can be significant.

How to deal with the immediate impact of brain trauma

As you can see, the effects of brain trauma will have a big impact on many lives. But there is help available. Your first port of call should be with your local medical centre. They will advise you on the best way forward and will pass you on the details of support groups of others in your situation. If the trauma is the result of someone else’s fault, it is also advisable to see a brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. The rehabilitation process may take years – if it works at all. And you have a right to claim compensation if someone else is to blame. It can be a long road to recovery if i ever occurs – make sure you fight for the right settlement to get everything you deserve.

The road ahead

Of course, the outlook depends entirely on the injury. A mild concussion might be fine in a matter of half an hour. But if the trauma is affecting cognitive abilities or causing personality changes, it can be a difficult time. It’s important to understand that a full recovery may not be viable. In some cases, the effects might have to be managed so that the rehabilitation is as thorough as it can be.

There is no denying that brain trauma can change your life – and that of your family. But the right medical attention and support network will help you get through the tough times. Of course, make sure you get proper medical advice if you are suffering from the strains of brain trauma in your family.