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What are the long-term costs of a brain injury?

If you suffered a brain injury from an auto accident, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from brain injuries after an auto accident each year. You may be worried about the long-term effects on everything from your job to your social life. Brain injuries can vary as much as the people who suffer them, but they tend to have a few things in common:

  • Headaches that just won't go away
  • Dizziness and nausea, or even seizures
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Emotional changes, such as mood swings or depression
  • Cognitive problems, such as confusion or memory loss

These are just a few symptoms of a brain injury, and the severity of the symptoms depends upon the severity of the injury. Likewise, your recovery will depend upon the injury, as will the medical treatment you receive. Many people don't even realize they suffered a brain injury right away, especially if they didn't lose consciousness. That is why you should always be seen by a doctor after an auto accident.

What will it cost you?

You are probably concerned about the expense of a brain injury. Just like with the physical effects, the financial costs vary depending on the severity of your injury. These are a few general facts you can take into account when trying to figure out the long-term financial cost of your injury:

  • For a severe case, cost over a lifetime could reach $4 million dollars
  • The average survivor needs $151,587 for both medical and non-medical costs
  • Rehab costs for someone with a severe brain injury average $1,000 per day, with the average stay of 55 days
  • Assisting a survivor with returning to work can cost about $10,198 the first year

Unfortunately, not enough research exists in this area to account for all the variables at play. In general, however, many families struggle with the financial costs of a brain injury.

Why is the cost so high?

A brain injury affects every aspect of your life, from your memory to your physical abilities. Pushing your body or your brain too fast, too early can make your symptoms worse. Rehabilitation can be frustratingly slow. Additionally, you will probably be out of work for at least some period of time. Many people with brain injuries have to spend the early days giving their brain a total break from thinking, reading, or even watching T.V. You will have to ease back into old activities slowly.

Where can I find help?

The good news is, there are many resources available. Make sure you exhaust all your financial resources regarding your auto accident, including compensation from insurance carriers and the other drivers involved. You may also qualify for government benefits, depending on your situation. Many non-profit organizations, such as the Brain Injury Association of Florida, exist to help people with brain injuries get back to the life they once knew.

Most people do recover with time, and there will be people to help you figure it out along the way. The sooner you seek that help, the better your outcome will be.