Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Years Later

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | August 11, 2025 | Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Years Later

Traumatic brain injuries are unfortunately common and can range from a mild concussion to causing lifelong disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury as one that affects the way the brain functions. 

These are often caused by an accident resulting in an impact or penetrating injury to the head that causes damage to brain tissue. Sometimes the brain can recover within a couple of weeks, and other times it can leave a victim with lasting symptoms. 

Factors That May Impact the Symptoms of Your Brain Injury

Brain injuries are categorized into three severities. Minor brain injuries include concussions that do not result in a significant loss of consciousness and typically heal in about two weeks. Moderate to severe brain injuries may result in a loss of consciousness for hours or days, and cognitive symptoms such as memory loss that last more than seven days. 

Mechanism of Injury

The mechanism of injury may affect the way you experience symptoms of your TBI. For example, you may find it easier to recover from a minor injury resulting from an impact to the head compared to an anoxic brain injury that results in tissue death. 

Individual Characteristics

Additionally, the length of your recovery will rely heavily on factors like your age and brain plasticity. Younger individuals, as well as those in better general physical health, are often more likely to bounce back with fewer long-term consequences. 

Long-Term Effects of a TBI

Depending on the extent of the damage and where it happens in the brain, those with TBIs may face long-term symptoms and vulnerability to other risk factors.

The full extent of the consequences of a TBI is still unknown. However, researchers and physicians can agree that you may be more vulnerable to developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, endocrine disorders, and other cognitive challenges as you age. 

In many cases, a single TBI can leave you more vulnerable to subsequent injuries. These may require less force to cause injury, and you may experience more severe symptoms. Each additional injury puts you at a greater risk of complications such as disruption of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, or more severe complications like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)and other degenerative conditions. 

Traumatic Brain Injury Can Also Affect Behavior and Life Circumstances 

The CDC reports that moderate to severe traumatic brain injury is a lifelong condition, even without additional medical complications. Five years after the injury, those who suffered from a TBI are more likely to face a number of challenges:

  • 57% are moderately to severely disabled.
  • 55% face unemployment.
  • 50% return to the hospital at least once.
  • 33% rely on support from others for daily needs.
  • 29% abuse alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Many of the above situations can increase the likelihood of individuals developing other chronic health conditions, including an increased risk of seizures, infections, pneumonia, and death. Many survivors of TBIs experience ongoing problems with depression, anxiety, and sleep. 

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a San Diego Brain Injury Lawyer

If you or someone close to you is living with the lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury, even years after the event, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. An experienced brain injury lawyer in San Diego can help explore all potential avenues for compensation—whether for ongoing medical costs, daily care, or future adjustments. 

At Mission Personal Injury Lawyers, we are known for handling complex brain injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000