Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs because of sudden damage to the brain.
The American Association of Neurological Surgery explains that TBI “is a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain that can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head, the head suddenly and violently hitting an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.” When the brain suffers a moderate to severe trauma it is not impossible for anyone, including medical professionals, to initially understand the entirety of the damages sustained, nor will the long-term effects be immediately apparent.
When posed with the question: Does a TBI shorten your life? There is no universal answer, as each person is unique as are the circumstances surrounding each TBI. Some severe TBIs can lead to fatal complications, and for those individuals: yes; sustaining a TBI would shorten one’s life. Individuals that survive a moderate to severe TBI may be left with certain long-term effects that could affect the longevity of one’s life and/ or the quality of one’s life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “moderate to severe traumatic brain injury is a lifelong condition.” The CDC goes on to explain that nearly fifty percent of people with TBI will experience further decline in their daily lives. Chronic disease management can be invaluable to one’s recovery process and is often essential in helping to improve the quality of life for an individual living with the residual effects of a traumatic brain injury.
On the other end of the spectrum, concussions, or mild TBIs are likely to affect an individual in the short-term but may leave no long-term effects. News Medical alludes to evidence that the cognitive impairments that may occur because of a mild TBI are not necessarily permanent and can be entirely reversed with the right treatment. This notion would imply that an individual that sustains a mild TBI and procures the proper treatment would lead no shorter of a life than an individual who had not endured a mild TBI. It is important to note that regardless of the severity, for some individuals the effects of a TBI can be permanent, and in certain cases could result in symptoms with long-lasting effects on one’s health and quality of life.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
