A brain injury can result in any combination of deficits; some are mild, and some are severe. It alters one's life in a variety of ways, ultimately changing life completely. The frontal lobes of the brain control motor functioning. An injury to these areas typically results in paralysis on one side of the body. An injury to the right frontal lobe may result in paralysis to the left hand and leg. Conversely, the left frontal lobe controls the right side of the body. If damaged, the result may be paralysis to the right side of the body. The frontal lobes also direct emotional responses. Damage to this area sometimes results in a sensitivity to emotional stimuli.
The occipital lobe controls vision. If an injury occurs in the occipital lobe or touches it, one may be left with a vision impairment. Visual field cuts are often a result of aneurysms and hemorrhages. If an injury is on the left side of the brain, one may be left with a right visual field cut. If the injury occurs on the right side of the brain, a left visual field cut may result. Memory loss is also a common effect of traumatic brain injury.
It is not uncommon for one to develop epileptic seizures a few years after a brain injury. If seizures develop, it is necessary to consult a neurologist about anti-seizure medications. Drugs that may be prescribed for convulsions include Tegretol, Klonopin, Dilantin, Valproic acid, and Felbatol, just to name a few. It may be necessary to have the medication level checked about every six months. A neurologist would be able to suggest what is good for you, depending on the frequency and severity of seizures.
There are different types of brain injuries. Some are more severe than others. An ABI or acquired brain injury results from a source within the body. For example, an arteriovenous malformation is an acquired brain injury. Because it is an artery within the brain that hemorrhages, it is considered an ABI. For more information on aneurysms, visit http://www.westga.edu/. There is also traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury or TBI often results from a traumatic experience in which damage to the brain occurs. For example, a car accident, a motorcycle accident, and an abrupt fall involving a blow to the head are causes of traumatic brain injury. In some cases, the head may be hit hard enough that the brain bounces back and forth inside the skull, hitting against the ridges inside of it. This is known as a coup-contrecoup injury. It can cause significant damage to the brain. To see a visual, you can visit http://www.whis.nzl.org.
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