While it’s commonly known that damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, it’s less well-known that brain trauma can also lead to paralysis. Weakness or paralysis can result from injury to the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscular function.
Fortunately, treatment exists to help those who have suffered brain damage regain some of their strength and movement.
To get the compensation you deserve, it’s best to discuss your case with experienced brain injury lawyers in Atlanta. Consulting an expert in the legal industry can help you build a strong case for obtaining a full settlement.
Why Does a Brain Injury Lead to Paralysis?
When brain damage disrupts the normal flow of information between the brain and the muscles, paralysis can result. Certain regions of the brain send messages to the muscles, allowing for movement. When certain regions of the brain are damaged due to a concussion, the signals are disrupted, the muscles are unable to respond, and paralysis sets in.
Paralysis often affects one side of the body because most brain injuries damage just one side of the brain. Generally speaking, movement on one side of the body is controlled by the corresponding hemisphere of the brain. Paralysis of the left side of the body, known as hemiplegia, can result from damage to the right side of the brain.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Paralysis Caused by a Brain Injury?
In addition to paralysis, some of the following symptoms may be brought on by a brain injury in the regions that control movement:
- Having a hard time swallowing
- Muscles that are taut and rigid.
- Contraction of the muscles that is permanent, the next stage after spasticity
- Incapacity to draw the toes closer to the shin
What exactly is neuroplasticity, and how does it factor into the healing process?
Neuroplasticity refers to the process by which new neural pathways can be formed in the brain. This process is carried out by the brain. The brain reorganizes nerve cells in order to form new neural pathways, which enables undamaged parts of the brain to assume control of the situation.
As a result of neuroplasticity being activated, weakness and communication between muscles and the brain can be restored after a brain injury. This is achieved through regular participation in rehabilitative physical activity.
The issue is that people who have paralysis caused by a brain injury may find it difficult or even impossible to move the muscles that are necessary to perform the exercises.
What Kinds of Treatments Are There for Paralysis Caused by a Brain Injury?
In patients with paralysis caused by a brain injury, specialized therapies are being developed with the goal of activating neuroplasticity, which will help to encourage the return of muscle movement and control. These treatments consist of the following:
- The patient participates in passive range-of-motion exercises, in which the therapist moves the patient’s limbs for them.
- Electrical stimulation involves sending impulses directly to the muscles that are affected. This causes the muscles to contract, which in turn stimulates the brain.
- A form of mental exercise that activates neuroplasticity by having the patient imagine themselves performing a variety of movements
- Activating neurons in the region of the brain that controls movement is the goal of mirror box therapy, which involves placing a mirror over the paralyzed hand and performing exercises with the other hand.
- Perform active exercise once at least some range of motion has been reclaimed in the affected limb.
The Catastrophic Consequences of Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury
Any damage to the brain, given its primary role over the proper functioning of the body, can significantly impair an individual’s life and certainly qualifies as catastrophic. Due to this primary role, any damage to the brain can be considered a catastrophe. Traumatic brain injuries can result in the following:
- Cognitive difficulties
- Immense pain
- Paralysis
- Alterations in one’s personality
- Control of the muscles being lost, even partially
- Lack of ability to have sexual relations
- Control of one’s bowels and bladder, either diminished or lost
It may be challenging or even impossible for people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries to return to their previous line of work. When the damage to the spine is severe, the person suffering from it may require assistance both physically and medically around the clock.
The victim’s loved ones may experience a significant decline in their physical and mental health as a consequence of the traumatizing effects of stress, emotional upheaval, and financial strain brought on by the injury to the victim’s brain. Traumatic brain injuries are a contributing factor in the passing of a loved one in some cases.
Paralysis caused by a brain injury often leads to financial hardship
An individual may be eligible to bring a claim for compensation from the party at fault if they have suffered a brain injury leading to paralysis as a result of an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.
Past and future medical bills, treatment and rehabilitation expenditures, lost wages, diminished future earning potential, pain, and suffering, and other losses may all be compensable damages. Hiring a team of skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers to handle your claim will increase your chances of receiving a satisfactory settlement.
An individual may be eligible to bring a claim for compensation from the party at fault if they have suffered a brain injury leading to paralysis as a result of an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.
Past and future medical bills, treatment and rehabilitation expenditures, lost wages, diminished future earning potential, pain, and suffering, and other losses may all be compensable damages.
Hiring a team of skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers to handle your claim will increase your chances of receiving a satisfactory settlement.
How Can Someone Get Compensated for Their Paralysis Caused by a Brain Injury?
If you have suffered a brain injury that has led to paralysis as a result of an accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation against the party who was at fault for the accident.
Damages to which you may be entitled to file a claim may include past and future medical expenses, the cost of therapy and rehabilitative services, lost earnings, loss of future earning capacity, pain, and suffering, and other types of losses.
Having experienced personal injury attorneys in Atlanta handle your claim is your best bet for recovering the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.