The Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Head Injury

If an accident involves a bump or blow to the head, it can cause severe injury and trauma to the brain. Brain tissues and fluids are sensitive to impacts and vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries. Immediate medical intervention can help prevent or mitigate the worst possible symptoms of a traumatic brain injury afterward. Delaying medical attention or leaving a head injury untreated, on the other hand, can lead to worsened and longer-lasting effects.

A head injury, no matter how minor it may seem initially, can have serious and lasting consequences if left untreated. While the immediate symptoms might be manageable or even dismissible, the potential long-term effects of an untreated head injury can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. From chronic headaches and memory loss to mood disorders and increased risk of serious conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the repercussions of neglecting the medical needs for a head injury can be profound.

Irreversible Brain Damage

An untreated head or brain injury can lead to a much more severe diagnosis than the patient would have received with immediate medical attention. If an accident such as a car crash causes bleeding or swelling in the brain or skull fractures, for example, immediate medical support can provide critical emergency treatment, such as surgery to relieve pressure in the skull.

Leaving this type of injury untreated, in contrast to a closed head injury, would lead to the brain pressing against the inside of the skull and suffering more severe damage. An untreated head injury can lead to irreversible brain damage due to brain cell destruction or death that immediate medical care may have prevented. Exacerbated brain damage from traumatic injury can lead to cognitive and motor function disability or even death. An untreated head injury can also lead to progressive overall declines in brain health, along with many different associated symptoms.

Headaches and Migraines

An untreated brain injury can have symptoms that impact the victim for weeks, months or even for life. One of the most common long-term symptoms of an untreated brain injury is headaches. Headaches and migraines can occur frequently and chronically for brain injury survivors. They can also increase in severity over time. Even brain injury patients who otherwise make full recoveries from severe injuries can still suffer residual headaches and migraines.

Seizures and Post Traumatic Epilepsy

Some patients with untreated head injuries suffer severe memory problems, ongoing health issues, or concussion symptoms such as seizures or post-traumatic epilepsy. Late-stage seizures or seizure disorders can be permanent for patients who have suffered brain injuries – especially those who show other anomalies during brain scans. Some patients experience seizures immediately following their brain injuries, while others do not experience this symptom until months or years later.

Cognitive Impairments

Untreated head trauma often leads to cognitive challenges that impact everyday life. Individuals may experience difficulties with attention, processing speed, and executive functions such as planning and problem-solving. Memory loss is particularly prevalent, with studies indicating that 20–79% of individuals with closed head trauma suffer from this issue, depending on the severity of the injury. Even mild traumatic brain injury can result in difficulties with organizing thoughts and making decisions. These issues may not appear right away but can intensify without proper treatment.

Brain fog and attention deficits are especially common in TBI patients who never received a medical evaluation. Over time, the brain function decline from even a single untreated concussion can affect work performance, relationships, and overall mental health.

Sleep Disturbances

Many patients with untreated concussions or traumatic brain injury TBI report significant disruptions to their sleep. Trouble falling asleep, fragmented sleep cycles, and excessive daytime fatigue can all stem from the initial injury. These symptoms often worsen if left unmanaged.

Poor sleep also increases the risk of mood swings and anxiety. TBI patients dealing with untreated brain injury frequently find it harder to recover both physically and mentally when their sleep is compromised.

Emotional and Cognitive Effects

The symptoms associated with untreated head injuries or untreated concussions are not only physical. Head or brain trauma can also result in long-lasting emotional and cognitive effects. Failing to receive medical attention for a brain injury can increase the risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. In turn, these issues can lead to other effects on the victim’s life, such as isolation from others, aggression or outbursts, personality changes, sleep trouble, and difficulty finding a job.

Memory loss, brain fog, and trouble falling asleep are also frequent complaints from TBI patients. These symptoms often worsen when a mild traumatic brain injury is not treated early. Left unchecked, even a mild TBI can evolve into more serious complications with lingering damage to brain function and mental clarity.

Sensory Sensitivities

Another lingering effect of untreated concussions is increased sensitivity to light and noise. This condition often leads to discomfort in bright environments and difficulty tolerating normal sounds. Sensory overload can interfere with routine activities and lead to social withdrawal.

Symptoms of light sensitivity can persist long after the initial injury, especially for individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries that were not treated by a medical professional.

Degenerative Brain Diseases

Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of degenerative brain disease in people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic injuries can make the brain more vulnerable to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Professional attention immediately after a head injury can reduce this risk with treatments to help the brain heal damaged cells and restore normal brain function.

Long-term consequences of brain trauma may also lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition commonly linked to repetitive head trauma in sports injuries. Individuals with untreated concussions or a history of repeated mild TBI face an elevated risk of this degenerative disease.

Balance and Coordination Issues

Balance issues often go unnoticed in the early stages after a head injury. However, untreated concussions can affect the brain’s ability to maintain spatial awareness and coordination. This can lead to unsteady movements and a higher chance of falling.

Over time, untreated brain trauma may cause long-lasting vestibular problems. Addressing these symptoms early can help preserve mobility and prevent future injury.

Increased Risk of Second-Impact Syndrome

Second-impact syndrome is a rare but extremely dangerous condition that occurs when a person suffers a second head injury before the first one has healed. The brain can swell rapidly, leading to permanent brain damage or death. This condition is most often associated with sports injuries.

An untreated concussion greatly increases the risk for second-impact syndrome. Recognizing early symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to preventing a severe traumatic brain injury.

Delayed Complications and Severe TBIs

In cases of severe traumatic brain injuries, there is a higher risk of delayed medical complications. Without prompt diagnosis and intervention, brain swelling, bleeding, or damage to brain tissues may continue unnoticed. As a result, permanent brain damage or even fatal complications can develop.

Patients dealing with severe TBIs often struggle with long-term disability. In addition to cognitive challenges, they may require physical therapy, occupational rehabilitation, or psychological therapy to manage psychiatric problems caused by the initial injury. The increased risk of severe injury also applies to those with untreated brain injuries that weren’t initially diagnosed as serious.

Risk of Death

All head and brain injuries are serious and deserve immediate medical attention. Failing to see a doctor after suffering trauma to the head or skull can lead to many serious and long-lasting physical symptoms, as well as increase a patient or injured person’s overall likelihood of mortality.

This is especially true for patients who suffer moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have many related health complications that increase the risk factor of death, including psychiatric problems and an increased risk of suicide. Furthermore, the physical effects of a brain injury can lead to fatal complications such as pneumonia and sepsis.

Advanced treatments have significantly improved mortality rates among brain injury patients. If an accident victim sees a doctor right away after a head injury, this can help him or her reduce the risks of long-term symptoms and permanent health effects.

Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Head Injury Case?

At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact an untreated head injury can have on your life. With 55 years of experience in personal injury law, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of their serious injury cases and secure the compensation they deserve. Our commitment to quick and fair resolutions ensures that your case receives the urgency and attention it requires, preventing it from becoming stagnant.

Our Omaha personal injury lawyers are deeply committed to our clients, taking the time to explain the legal process and promptly returning your calls. Whether through settlement or litigation, we work diligently to move your case forward and achieve a fair result as swiftly as possible. If you have suffered a head injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call us at (402) 431-9000 or reach out via our contact form.