One of the most common symptoms of a brain injury is memory loss or impaired memory retention.
There are several reasons why memory loss occurs. Mainly it is because the brain has suffered damage in the area of the brain which affects the flow of information. The brain is capable of transporting information, and after an accident, that information can experience difficulties in going where it needs to or being found when it needs to be recalled, causing memory issues. Additionally, brain injuries can hinder cognitive abilities.
The following are common symptoms of memory loss caused by a brain injury:
- Understanding information
- Concentrating
- Communicating with others
- Making decisions
- Solving problems
- Controlling desires and impulses
- Language and speech
There are three types of memory loss: short-term, long-term, and immediate memory loss. Short-term memory is the most common form of memory loss for brain injury victims, impacting the ability to recall information after 30 minutes or so. Long-term memory is the ability to remember facts and events days, weeks, or even years later, which makes brain injury victims feel like time is flying by since they can’t recall those memories. Immediate memory is collected within a few minutes and only retained for a short time.
If a brain injury victim is diagnosed with amnesia, then they have lost the memories they once had. There are two grades of amnesia: retrograde and anterior grade. Retrograde amnesia has an impact on the memory of the accident, while anterior amnesia affects the memories after the accident. Fortunately, those memories may slowly return as the brain heals.
If you have been injured by a negligent party in Texas, request a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorney at the Law Office of James M. Stanley today.