Can a Head Injury from an Accident in Kansas City Cause Memory Loss or Dementia?

The answer is yes, a head injury can lead to memory loss or dementia. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause life-threatening conditions and, in some cases, long-term disability or even permanent disability.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur without losing consciousness or showing any outward signs. As a result, symptoms of brain injuries are frequently overlooked after an accident.  A common example would be a concussion, which can range from a mild to severe head injury and take time to properly diagnose and treat.

If you or a family member are showing signs of cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, communication or concentration issues, it is very important you seek immediate medical attention.  At the Law Offices of Kevin McManus, our brain injury attorney can help you navigate this difficult time and be compensated by the at-fault party for your injuries.  We’re experienced in recovering the maximum compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 816-203-0143 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

How Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Cause Memory Loss?

Memory loss can be common after an accident that involved a brain injury. It can also be short-term or long-term memory loss, depending on the severity of the injury. The signs and symptoms may be immediate or may slowly reveal themselves over days, weeks, or even months. The effects of a brain injury can result in memory loss related to the incident itself or develop from persistent memory loss following the injury.

Victims of traumatic brain injury accidents can experience a blackout of the incident, or an inability to recall details of the event or the individuals they spoke with. This kind of memory loss is more prevalent in accident victims with a severe TBI.  The effects may include the inability to recall minor details like what to buy at the grocery store, what someone just said, or the details of an upcoming life event.

Whether you suffered a concussion from a vehicle accident, or while engaging in contact sports, or even tripping down the stairs, any head trauma can increase your risk of developing damage to the brain that could result in memory loss.  Seeking and receiving immediate medical attention is a crucial part of your recovery.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a loss of cognitive functioning of a person’s thinking, remembering, and reasoning.  It is classified as a brain disorder that manifests from damage to the brain from injury or disease, sometimes being genetic. These abnormal brain alterations or damage are the root cause of dementia, which affects daily functioning, relationships, feelings, and behavior in a person’s daily life.

Dementia changes from an accident can develop gradually or be progressive. It largely affects cognitive issues relating to:

• memory and thinking
• behavior and emotions
• problem-solving
• language skills
• motor skills
• motivation (decreased)
• neurological issues

Some people with dementia have difficulty controlling their emotions, and their personalities can change dramatically. While dementia is not a normal part of aging, it has become more common as people grow older with about one-third of all people 85 or older having some form of it.  Receiving a proper diagnosis from a doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system is the first step to recovery.

Can a Head Injury from an Accident in Kansas City Cause Dementia?

Recent research has shown an increased incidence of dementia among accident victims with a history of previous traumatic brain injury. Those who have experienced one or more head traumas are at higher risk of developing dementia as they age. There are different types of dementia linked to this increased prevalence, for example Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders.

Head injury symptoms associated with dementia include those that impact memory, thinking and concentration, interpersonal interactions, communication (including speech and word-finding), mood, personality, and behavior. Depending on the area of the head injured, the force and damage of the injury, and the person's disposition prior to the accident, individuals can experience different combinations of brain injury symptoms. While some may manifest quickly, others can take longer to appear. Statistically in most cases, brain injury symptoms begin to manifest one month after an injury.

Some common dementia symptoms in daily activities may affect issues such as:

• Short-term memory
• Paying bills
• Keeping track of a wallet or purse
• Planning and preparing meals
• Remembering appointments
• Getting dressed
• Finding the words to communicate thoughts

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory issues or other changes in cognitive abilities, don't ignore them. Visit a doctor right away to diagnose the cause. Even if a person has symptoms of dementia, early diagnosis enables them to benefit the most from existing treatments and provides time to plan for the future.

Recovering Damages After Memory Loss or Dementia from a Kansas City Accident 

Fair compensation is not dependent on your memory of the accident. Our attorney will use other evidence to establish the negligence of the at-fault party of your accident injuries. Some essential evidence may include:

• Accident scene photos taken by you or other parties
• Eyewitness accounts
• Police report and surveillance footage
• Vehicle damage
• Testimony from an accident reconstructionist

These pieces of evidence can show who was at fault for the accident and how it occurred. Our traumatic brain injury attorney will use this important evidence, including your medical records, and other proof of injuries and damage, in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Kansas City Brain Injury Attorney for Help Today

Our personal injury attorney is experienced in handling complex brain injury claims. We will thoroughly investigate your case and develop a unique legal strategy for you as our client. We encourage you to contact us today, and let us navigate the legal process while you heal. 

Schedule your free consultation with our Kansas City brain injury attorney by calling 816-203-0143 or completing our online contact form or web chat.  You can also download our free injury book right now.  We’re here to help!