Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can produce life-altering challenges that persist long after the initial trauma. Every TBI is unique, but many people face lasting physical, cognitive and emotional effects. While some recover well, others experience long-term complications that impact their daily lives, family life, employment and overall well-being. In this post, we explore the long-term effects of TBI in adults - from mild traumatic brain injuries to severe traumatic brain injuries.

Understanding traumatic brain injury and its severity

Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head, a violent jolt to the body or an object penetrating the skull into the brain tissue. TBIs range in severity:

Concussion and mild TBI

A simple concussion is the mildest form of head injury and usually involves a brief period of dizziness or confusion without any loss of consciousness or structural damage to the brain. These cases generally resolve within days or weeks with rest and medical supervision.

A mild traumatic brain injury involves a more noticeable but still temporary disruption of brain function. This may include a short loss of consciousness, confusion or memory loss at the time of the injury. While many people recover fully, some experience prolonged symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes that persist for months or even years. Persistent mild TBI cases can have a lasting impact on work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Moderate TBI

A moderate traumatic brain injury causes more extensive damage to brain tissue, often leading to longer periods of unconsciousness or confusion. Individuals may experience physical weakness, speech difficulties or problems with memory and reasoning. Rehabilitation is often required to restore mobility, cognitive function and communication abilities. While some people regain independence, others continue to experience long-term effects that alter how they live and work.

Severe TBI

A severe traumatic brain injury typically involves prolonged unconsciousness (coma) and visible damage to the brain, such as bruising, bleeding or torn nerve fibres. These injuries can result in profound physical, cognitive and behavioural changes. In some cases, they may be fatal. Those who survive often require lifelong care and extensive rehabilitation to manage ongoing challenges such as movement disorders, sensory loss or personality changes.

Advances in emergency and critical care now mean that more people survive severe head trauma. However, this also means that more adults live with the complex and lasting consequences of these injuries. Each brain injury is unique, and recovery outcomes depend on numerous factors such as the location of the damage, the person’s age and health, and the treatment received immediately after the injury.

Advances in emergency care now help more people survive severe head trauma, meaning more adults live with the effects of severe TBI. But every brain injury is different, and a number of factors can influence the outcome​. 

Physical and neurological effects of TBI

Long-term physical and neurological effects are common after TBIs, especially moderate to severe ones, which can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and independence. They include:

Seizures and post-traumatic epilepsy

One of the most serious long-term risks of a traumatic brain injury is the development of post-traumatic epilepsy. This condition can emerge months or even years after the initial head trauma, affecting an individual’s ability to work and maintain independence. The risk of epilepsy is particularly high for individuals with severe injuries.

Headaches

Long-term headaches are among the most common complaints of TBI patients. Some experience persistent headaches due to nerve damage, brain swelling or ongoing blood flow issues within the brain.

Dizziness and balance problems

Damage to the brain’s sensory system can result in dizziness, unsteadiness or vertigo and can make daily tasks such as walking, driving or standing for long periods difficult.

Sleep disturbances and fatigue

Many individuals with brain trauma experience fatigue. Sleep patterns can be disrupted and sleep disorders such as insomnia or excessive daytime drowsiness are common, affecting concentration, mood and overall quality of life.

Hormonal imbalances

Damage to the glands or blood vessels in the brain can lead to hormonal deficiencies within the body, affecting metabolism, mood and energy levels. These imbalances may go undiagnosed for years, further complicating the recovery process.

Cognitive and communication challenges

Cognitive impairments are a hallmark of long-term TBI effects. People often struggle with mental tasks that were easy before. The ability to process information, remember things and communicate can be significantly affected. Common long-term cognitive effects include:

Memory loss and concentration difficulties

Many people with a traumatic brain injury struggle with memory loss, difficulty focusing and slower cognitive processing. These symptoms can make tasks such as reading, problem-solving and decision-making far more challenging.

Executive function impairment

Injuries to the frontal lobe can impact executive functioning, which is the ability to plan, organise, make decisions and be goal directed. This can make it difficult to return to work , manage finances independently or carry out day-to-day tasks.

Communication difficulties

Damage to the brain’s language centres can lead to speech and comprehension problems. Some individuals experience difficulties with finding the right words or constructing sentences, while others may struggle to understand complex speech and follow conversations.

Emotional and behavioural changes

A brain injury can change someone’s personality due to damage in areas that regulate emotion and behaviour. Common changes include:

Depression and anxiety

The direct effect of the injury on brain chemistry, combined with the trauma of the event and the challenges of recovery, can lead to depression. This can include feelings of persistent sadness, hopelessness or extreme worry. Anxiety might manifest as panic attacks or constant fear of re-injury. These conditions often require long-term counselling and medication.

Irritability and mood swings

Many people with a TBI report increased irritability, difficulty controlling their emotions and mood swings. This can make relationships at home or at work difficult, as family and colleagues struggle to adjust to a person’s shorter temper or how the person reacts differently to situations than they did before.

Impulsivity and personality changes

Frontal lobe injuries can lead to disinhibition, inappropriate behaviour and impulsivity. In some cases, people experience lack of empathy, leading to misunderstandings and putting a strain on relationships . In these situations, the person is not wilfully acting in this way but rather they cannot regulate themselves in the way they used to.

A person may feel alienated by their own behaviours, and not feel like themselves anymore​. Family members, meanwhile, often grieve for the “person they knew” as they attempt to adapt to new dynamics.

Sensory and perceptual difficulties

A brain injury can alter how a person sees, hears, tastes and feels sensations. Some sensory and perceptual effects seen in people with a TBI can include:

Vision problems

People with a TBI can develop double vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. Some individuals can experience partial blindness due to damage to the brain’s optical pathways.

Hearing 

Hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sensitivity to noise and difficulty processing sound are common post-TBI complications. 

Loss of taste and smell

An injury to the brain can cause damage to areas responsible for smell and taste. Loss of smell (anosmia) or altered taste is a possible long-term effect​. This might seem minor, but it can affect appetite, safety and quality of life. Sometimes these senses return over time, but not always.

Touch and coordination

Some people with a TBI experience numbness, tingling or altered sensation in parts of the body due to damage to the sensory nerve pathways in the brain ​. Hand-eye coordination can also be impaired​, making tasks like writing or sports difficult. In more severe cases, muscle tone and movement can be affected.

A formerly high-performing adult may find themselves unable to handle the demands of their previous job or social life. Rehabilitation (such as cognitive therapy or speech therapy) often helps, but progress can be slow and partial. In terms of the compensation claims process, the costs of long-term cognitive rehabilitation and the need for assistive devices or strategies (like memory aids) should be considered as part of your compensation.

How Switalskis can help you claim for a traumatic brain injury

Brain injuries often have complex and unpredictable outcomes. Their long-term effects can impact every aspect of your life. From physical health and brain function to your ability to work, maintain relationships and enjoy hobbies.

If you have suffered a TBI due to another party’s negligence, it’s critical that you not only get proper medical care, but also expert legal guidance. At Switalskis Solicitors we have extensive experience handling brain injury claims . A successful claim will help you cover the costs associated with your injury, such as loss of income, support and care, rehabilitation and therapies, aids and equipment and adaptations to your home. It can also provide compensation for the pain, suffering and reduced quality of life you have experienced. Our team understands the complexity of TBI cases and works closely with medical professionals to build strong claims that reflect the full impact of the injury.

Call us on 0800 138 0458 or send us a message via our contact form to discuss how we can help you claim the traumatic brain injury compensation you are entitled to.