Surviving a Cook County car crash is only the first hurdle that many brain injury victims face in their recovery. In general, the more severe the head trauma, the more pronounced the long term effects of the injury. These effects may include physical, cognitive, behavioral, and sensory issues.

• Physical – In the years following a Chicago traumatic brain injury, the most common long term physical effect is seizures. Some victims may also experience permanent paralysis in one or more parts of the body, sudden muscle contractions, and reduced coordination.
• Cognitive – Following a car crash, long term cognitive effects of Cook County head traumas include memory loss; difficulty with concentration, sleeping, and focusing; severe headaches; and development of Parkinson’s disease or dementia. In children, these effects often do not show up until the child reaches school age, where the extent of the damage becomes more apparent.
• Sensory – Loss of vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are all potential long term effects of head trauma following an Illinois motor vehicle accident.
• Behavioral – Additional potential long term effects of Cook County brain trauma are behavioral. The victim may become irritable, violent, anxious, depressed, frustrated, or agitated. The patient may also experience severe mood swings and exhibit a lack of self-control, impulsiveness, or low self-esteem. In children, there is a risk of developing a lack of interest in enjoyable activities, also referred to as Anhedonia.

If you have been involved in a Chicago car accident, we encourage you to contact a Cook County brain injury lawyer for a complimentary consultation by filling out our online form or calling our office at (847) 651-7191.