What is Post-Traumatic Amnesia?

After sustaining a head injury, the loss of memory or ability to create new memories is called post-traumatic amnesia. 

This condition is often considered a good indicator or factor in the severity of a traumatic brain injury. If you or a loved one is struggling to recall memories after a head injury, you need to understand what post-traumatic amnesia is and how it can affect a person.

At the Brain Injury Law Center, we stand up for victims of silent injuries and injustices such as traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic amnesia. 

Get in contact with our team of traumatic brain injury attorneys for a free case consultation at (757) 244-7000, or contact us by filling out a form with your information. Trust us to help you with your potential legal case. 

Post-Traumatic Amnesia Meaning

Post-traumatic amnesia is a common consequence of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. When considering post-traumatic amnesia meaning, it is usually characterized by memory loss and disorientation. It can also significantly impact a person’s ability to function and interact with their environment. While post-traumatic amnesia is often associated with a loss of consciousness, it can also occur without it. 

In some cases, individuals emerging from a coma or experiencing post-traumatic amnesia may exhibit significant behavioral changes. They can become: 

• Agitated
• Disoriented
• Emotionally volatile 
• Marked by lack of inhibition

These may lead to unpredictable and sometimes bizarre behavior entirely out of character. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, this condition can last from brief moments to extended periods. 

If you have further questions surrounding what is post-traumatic amnesia, we encourage you to speak to a doctor or one of our experienced brain injury attorneys. 

For over 46 years, we have been representing victims of brain injury cases like yours. An experienced brain injury attorney can help you examine the details of your case, including how invisible conditions like post-traumatic amnesia have affected you or a loved one.

Types of Post-Traumatic Amnesia

Post-traumatic amnesia can be divided into two distinct types. Retrograde amnesia is defined as partial or total loss of memories immediately preceding the brain injury. This could cause a victim to forget what caused their injuries, which can be really concerning when filing a personal injury lawsuit.

The second variation, anterograde amnesia, is the inability to form new memories after the accident. Post-traumatic retrograde and anterograde amnesia are both severe conditions. They are considered the best indicators of the severity of a traumatic brain injury. 

Common Post-Traumatic Amnesia Symptoms

Seeing a loved one go through post-traumatic amnesia can be frightening and confusing. When someone experiences this condition, they can show many symptoms, including cognitive malfunctioning, emotional instability, and behavioral changes. 

Some of these symptoms can be:

• Agitation and irritability
• Sudden bursts of anger
• Anxiety and depression
• Disinhibited behavior, such as aggression
• Wandering off or trying to leave their hospital room
• Uncharacteristic behaviors 
• Confusion and memory loss
• Difficulty with problem-solving

The severity and duration of any of these symptoms may vary depending on the type and extent of the brain injury. It is important to remember that post-traumatic amnesia itself is a temporary condition. With appropriate medical attention, many individuals fully recover.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms of post-traumatic amnesia, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Even if you do not have any of these specific symptoms but have sustained a head injury, it is important to get checked out. 

Medical professionals have tools to identify hidden injuries and can better determine if you have sustained a brain injury.

Feeling like a shadow of your former self because of unexpected symptoms can be incredibly scary. It’s distressing to see these changes, and it can be even more challenging for loved ones who might find your behavior unrecognizable.

 

This is a frightening time, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Brain Injury Law Center has been there for brain injury survivors and their families for over four decades. Reach out to us online or call (757) 244-7000 to get answers on how we can fight for you. 

How Long Does Post-Traumatic Amnesia Last?

Generally, post-traumatic amnesia duration is directly linked with the severity of a person’s brain injury. While there are some exceptions, a shorter period of PTA, such as 15-20 minutes, often suggests a milder injury. On the other hand, amnesia lasting for weeks or months can indicate a more severe brain injury.

It is important to remember that individual cases can differ greatly. Even with similarities in brain injury circumstances, the severity and impact of the injury will vary. 

Factors such as the location of the injury within the brain, the type of trauma or impact, and the individual’s overall health and resilience can influence the recovery process.

It is essential to work with a lawyer who understands the nuance of brain injuries and will approach each case with a personalized perspective. While the duration of post-traumatic amnesia can provide insights into the severity of the injury, it is crucial to consider the broader context of the injury and the individual’s unique circumstances. 

All of these factors are vital to establishing a solid brain injury case and help factor into accurately estimating your case’s worth.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia Recovery

Many patients fully recover from their post-traumatic amnesia with the appropriate support and medical treatments. 

Several factors can influence recovery time, including the severity of the brain injury, age, overall health, and the availability of treatments and support. The recovery process typically involves several phases, with memory function and improved cognitive abilities returning gradually. 

Effective treatments involve a combination of therapies, such as:

• Cognitive therapy to help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
• Speech therapy to address any language difficulties and communication challenges
• Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living skills and independence
• Physical therapy to help with mobility and physical limitations
• Emotional support through counseling or support groups for patients coping with emotional repercussions from their injuries

For caregivers, patience and understanding are essential during the recovery process. Creating a calm environment, encouraging independence, and seeking professional help can significantly support a loved one’s journey to recovery. Understanding the range of traumatic brain injury long-term effects can help you better support and care for your loved one.

According to several studies, women face additional challenges after traumatic brain injury. They are more likely to experience reproductive health problems, including irregular cycles, postpartum complications, and fatigue, as well as recurring headaches. 

However, both men and women have to deal with changes in their relationships after traumatic brain injury.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia Treatment

While traditional treatment often focuses on rehabilitation and symptom management, recent research suggests that a revolutionary treatment that may prevent brain damage may hold the key to preventing brain damage and improving outcomes. 

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating brain injuries. Seek prompt medical attention so that early intervention can help reduce the risks of long-term complications.

One area of particular interest is the relationship between seizures, epilepsy, and brain injuries. Studies have shown that individuals who experience seizures following a traumatic brain injury are at a higher risk of developing long-term complications. This connection has led to a focus on preventing seizures as a potential strategy for mitigating the effects of brain injuries.

How a Post-Traumatic Amnesia Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from post-traumatic amnesia due to a traumatic brain injury, a post-traumatic amnesia attorney can provide invaluable legal guidance and representation. 

TBI lawsuits often involve complex legal issues, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome. Our brain injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and navigate the legal process.

Our firm has secured over a billion dollars for our clients in settlements and verdicts. 

An average TBI settlement can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Severity of the injury: More severe injuries generally result in higher settlements.
• Extent of damages: The amount of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can significantly impact the settlement amount.
• Liability: The degree of fault on the part of the defendant can also influence the settlement.
• State laws: Different states have varying laws regarding TBI damages and compensation.

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the specific amount of a settlement will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. 

If you or a loved one has suffered from PTA due to a TBI, consulting with a post-traumatic amnesia attorney is highly recommended. They can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Since patients suffering from post-traumatic amnesia also have to deal with the original injury source, legal cases can quickly become complicated. 

For example, spinal cord injury patients have up to a 50% chance of experiencing post-traumatic amnesia. Along with this, cognitive dysfunction and mild closed-head injuries are linked with patients experiencing slower rehabilitation and the learning of new skills. 

Suffering from Post-Traumatic Amnesia? We Are Here for You.

Our firm represents people who have had post-traumatic amnesia due to traumatic brain injuries. We understand the unique challenges and complexities of these cases. That’s why we have dedicated ourselves to providing effective and supportive legal help. 

Get in touch with our experienced post-traumatic amnesia attorneys today for a free case review at (757) 244-7000 or contact us online.

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