What Are the Causes and Effects of Brain Stem Injuries?

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Brain Injuries

What Are the Causes and Effects of Brain Stem Injuries?

The brain stem is one of the central nervous system’s most vital components. This delicate organ controls many functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. Consequently, minor damage to the brain stem can lead to severe and potentially life-altering injuries. 

Brain Stem Injuries: What Causes Them?

Various factors, including traumatic car accidents, health conditions, medical malpractice, and degenerative diseases, can cause brain stem injuries. While no two brain stem injuries are ever the same, many of these conditions are triggered by similar circumstances.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When it comes to brain stem injuries, TBI is the leading contributing factor. 

TBIs can result from a wide range of accidents, such as:

According to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30% of all injury-related deaths in the United States result from TBIs, such as concussions, contusions, and blunt force trauma.

Concussions, whiplash, and brain hemorrhages can be severe injuries. When left untreated, these can contribute to brain stem damage and even death. If you suffer a car crash or a fall, seeking a comprehensive evaluation is vital to rule out any potential complications.

Medical Conditions

Various medical conditions, such as tumors and aneurysms, can cause severe brain damage. Often, these conditions cause symptoms that put excessive pressure on the brain stem, which can cause short and long-term effects. 

Diseases

Some diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, can also cause severe damage to the brain stem. These diseases can cause inflammation and lesions in the brain stem, leading to severe symptoms.

What Are the Effects of Brain Stem Injuries?

Brain stem injuries come with physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. While some may be mild, others can cause permanent damage and even death.

Physical Symptoms

Brain stem injuries can cause a range of physical symptoms, often from pressure and trauma. 

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of coordination
  • Speech problems
  • Muscular weakness

If you sustain a TBI and experience abnormal physical symptoms, consult a medical professional to rule out damage to the brain stem.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms of brain stem injuries can include:

  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation

Many people may also experience brain fog and difficulty understanding words or piecing together logical statements.

Emotional Symptoms

Brain stem injuries may also cause emotional symptoms in some individuals, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood swings

Depending on the severity of the brain stem injury, many people may also experience changes in personality and emotional responses.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain stem injury due to another party’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation under Florida’s personal injury laws. 

Statute of Limitations

As with other states, Florida has a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If you suffered a brain stem injury due to negligence, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit and seek damages.

Historically, the Florida statutory deadline for personal injury lawsuits was four years. However, the law was updated on March 24, 2023. Therefore, accidents and personal injuries occurring after that date are subject to the two-year time limit.

Establishing Liability

In personal injury cases, it’s essential to establish liability. This means proving that the other party was negligent or acted recklessly, causing your injuries. 

Florida law requires victims to provide ample evidence in establishing the main elements of liability, including:

  • Duty 
  • Breach
  • Causation
  • Damages suffered

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you’ll need to provide strong evidence, such as medical records, police reports, photos and videos, and witness statements.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim for Brain Stem Injuries in Florida

Brain stem injuries can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s life. Understanding the causes and consequences of brain stem injuries is crucial for anyone seeking legal help after such an injury. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a claim for damages and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.

Contact the St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyers At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728