When reading a passage from a book, most people can recount the main purpose of the message. To that end, a reader can capture the “gist” or overarching theme from the text read. This, in very simple terms, is reading comprehension. For most of us, we learned this skill in grade school and, over the years, it has become an easy feat. But a new study suggests that individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be as fortunate as normal-functioning individuals when it comes to cognitive comprehension, or “gist reasoning.” In fact, those with TBI are far less able to “get the gist,” in turn causing long-term, life-related problems.

Researchers at the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas found that as a result of deceased gist reasoning, an individual with TBI may not be able to “effectively hold a job or maintain a household than previously revealed by traditional cognitive tests alone” according to reports at Medical Xpress.

In addition, the study goes on to reveal that those with TBI may also suffer from decreased daily life skills.

“Gist reasoning characterizes a meaningful, complex cognitive capacity,” explained a lead research scientist at the Center for BrainHealth and lead study author. “All too often, adults with brain injury have been told that they ought to be fine; in reality, they are not doing and thinking like they used to prior to the injury and struggle managing everyday life responsibilities years after the injury.”

This research confirms what we, as brain injury attorneys, understand all too well. Unfortunately, a TBI is a life-long injury, no matter how “normal” one may seem on the outside.

MORE ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a catastrophic blow to the head. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a traumatic brain injury is defined as:

“A bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain … The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.”

While car accidents are the main cause of traumatic brain injury, a TBI can also be caused by a sporting accident, a slip and fall or when an object falls onto the head, for instance, in a work-related accident.

What’s it like to actually have a traumatic brain injury? Imagine being stuck in a continuously foggy loop that repeats itself over and over again. Easy tasks are extremely difficult if not impossible to achieve. Rehabilitation can take years, if it even occurs at all. Sadly, it is an injury that lasts a lifetime. With a TBI, constant confusion, sensory overload and mental exhaustion are a part of every day life.

In our experience, when an individual is injured in a San Diego accident, the insurance company is all too quick to settle the claim without really considering the potential depth of the TBI accident. For example, as this study notes, TBI can be much more than meets the eye. The depth of the injury can affect all facets of life in addition to one’s future. We can file a legal claim on your behalf to ensure that your present and future legal rights are preserved in addition to the potential future loss in wake of a TBI.

The truth is that a TBI is tragic and, in many cases, preventable. We are advocates for individuals with TBI. We are also safety advocates in an effort prevent this catastrophic injury. When it comes to car accidents, we urge all San Diegans to drive cautiously to prevent these types of injuries as much as possible. While not every accident is indeed preventable, we can do our part to reduce the risk.

TBIs are extremely tragic for the individual and for the families affected. We are lawyers specializing in representing families who are affected by this life-changing injury. It is our goal to seek justice for individuals and families affected by TBI whether caused by a car, sporting or workplace accident.

While nothing can restore normalcy in wake of a TBI, our goal is help those who are affected by this terrible injury with expert legal advice and representation.

Give us a call today for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego brain injury attorney: 1-858-551-2090. We are here to help.