The human brain is the most complex organ in the body. Because it’s responsible for helping almost every part of the body function, a brain injury can affect the body in different ways. West Virginia residents who get a traumatic brain injury may experience a variety of symptoms. These initial symptoms may be physical pain, problems with perception, abnormal thoughts and difficulty with speech.

Bones are incredibly strong. In fact, they have been found to be stronger than steel when compared ounce for ounce. When the skull is hit with a large amount of force, however, the brain neurons become stressed and the brain shuts down in response. When a traumatic brain injury occurs, the amount of force exceeds the skull’s ability to resist damage. This type of injury commonly occurs in athletes and soldiers or as a result of a car accident.

In many cases, symptoms of a traumatic brain injury won’t emerge until several days or weeks after the incident occurred. Injuries that are severe can cause changes in personality or permanent disability. A neurologist can evaluate the injury using CT scans in order to determine the effects of the injury and the best way to pursue treatment.

When a brain injury occurs as the result of a fall or accident, the severity of the injury may not show up for several weeks. This is known as delayed brain damage. If the injury occurred as a result of negligence, the at-fault party may be deemed responsible. A lawyer could help the injured party receive accident compensation to help with medical bills, long-term care and/or rehabilitation expenses though filing a civil suit.