The CDC says that a traumatic brain injury can lead to “a lifetime of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.” Not only do they affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life, but they can even get worse over time. According to a CDC study, the five-year outcomes of a person with a brain injury were as follows:
22% died
30% became worse
22% stayed the same
26% improved
Please understand that there are various factors that go into whether a person’s situation improves or worsens. This includes the initial severity of the injury, the level of care a brain injury victim receives, and how much support they have from friends and family in their recovery.
Even minor brain injuries can get worse over time if they are not recognized and properly treated. For example, a concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury. If a person does not receive proper treatment for the injury, the concussion could progress into a more severe injury, especially if the victim receives another blow to the head.