If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident, you could have severe symptoms right away. Many people lose consciousness, while others struggle with memory issues, such as not remembering the accident at all. Still others experience cognitive problems or mobility issues. Some of these symptoms may clear up in the coming hours, days or even weeks, as people regain their lost skills while their body heals.
But one thing to remember about traumatic brain injuries is that some of them will not heal—or at least not entirely. The level of recovery may be limited or could hit a plateau. Why does this happen?
Creating new neurons
The issue lies in the loss of neurons, or brain cells. For the most part, it is impossible for the brain to replicate these cells in adulthood. People are born with most of the neurons they will ever have. Other cells, like blood or skin cells, replicate frequently, but brain cells are severely restricted in this regard. There are a few areas of the brain that can generate some types of neurons, but not at the scale needed after a serious injury.
Therefore, if there’s extensive damage from the accident, the brain may not be able to generate the cells necessary for complete healing. New neural connections or pathways can sometimes be formed, which is why some healing occurs as the brain adapts. However, there are certainly cases where this adaptation has a limit, and people who suffer TBIs could have lifelong symptoms.
If you have suffered such an extensive injury in a car accident, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.