Loss of Coordination: A Symptom of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Can a traumatic brain injury (TBI) cause loss of coordination? The brain is a complex organ made of different parts that are responsible for controlling and overseeing all processes in the body. Coordination, which is our ability to produce muscle responses and move in our environment, is no exception.
As with all processes in the body, a significant blow to the head can damage the part of the brain that affects our ability to move and react to our environment, resulting in a lack of coordination or poor coordination.
Have you developed a coordination problem after a blow to the head? Here’s everything you need to know. Check other Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms!
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TBIs and Loss of Balance: Cause and Effect
Which region of the brain is responsible for the coordination of movement? And how does a TBI affect this part of the brain?
The cerebellum, which is located at the back of the head close to the base of the skull, is responsible for coordinating movement. This part of the brain allows for straight posture and ensures balance using messages it receives from the eyes, muscles, joints, and vestibular system, which is located in the ear.
A heavy blow to the head can lead to injuries that affect coordination, like:
- Damage to the cerebellum
- Disruption of the vestibular system
- Trauma to the brainstem
- Concussions
- Brain swelling or hemorrhaging
Potential Dangers of Losing Coordination and Balance
Now that we understand what part of the brain controls balance and coordination, let’s take a look at some of the dangers of losing your ability to move smoothly.
Losing your coordination increases your chances of suffering secondary injuries because of impaired balance. This can lead to fractures and additional head injuries that compound with the initial damage.
Coordination problems can also prevent you from performing daily activities and operating heavy machinery, potentially disrupting your ability to work. This can put a lot of financial strain on you, especially if it occurs over an extended period.
What Risk Factors Play a Role in the Development of Ataxia?
Ataxia, which is the medical name for loss of balance and coordination, can be exacerbated by risk factors. These include:
- Pre-existing health issues, especially cognitive and neurological conditions
- Lack of proper treatment or the ability to obtain it
- Side effects of medication, such as dizziness and impaired concentration
- Age and physical activity level
- Location and severity of the blow to the head
Identifying and Treating Loss of Balance Due to a TBI
If you are wondering how to improve coordination after a TBI, the road to recovery is not always straightforward.
Regaining balance after a traumatic brain injury requires a proper diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan.
Medical professionals can assess symptoms using neurological exams, imaging tests, and balance evaluations to determine the severity of impairment.
Treatment often involves physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and medication to address dizziness or muscle weakness. All of this requires access to medical resources, so it’s important to seek compensation if your injuries were due to another party’s actions or negligence.
How to Get Compensated for Your Injuries and Losses
Now that we understand what causes a lack of coordination and balance after a brain injury, it’s necessary to explore the steps to get compensated by the responsible party.
Suffering from impaired coordination due to a TBI can drastically impact your ability to work, drive, or even perform routine tasks.
If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life. Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle to discuss your claim and find out if you can get compensated for your losses.
Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle to Get Legal Assistance
Suffering a heavy blow to the head can be extremely serious and require ongoing medical attention. The worst part is that many TBI symptoms manifest until days or weeks after the damage has occurred, making it difficult to link the injuries to the initial blow.
This is the case of loss of coordination, a serious symptom that doesn’t always show up immediately but can certainly reduce your quality of life. If you are experiencing a loss of balance and coordination after a blow to the head, it is important to get examined by a medical expert even if the symptoms appear days after the impact.
Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle to find out if you deserve to be compensated for your injuries; our team of experts is here to listen and help you get the assistance you need.
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Client Story
M.W., Kent, WA
"M.W. was riding his bicycle in a bike lane in Kent. He was a 24 year old elite cyclist in excellent shape. A driver of a truck in the lane next to him suddenly turned right and nicked M.W., making him fall off his bike. He was wearing his helmet. However, when he fell to the ground, his head struck the pavement along with his left shoulder. "
Contact Brain Injury Law
Call or email us for a free consultation, and find out how we can help you get your life back following a brain injury. We are here to help, answer questions, and educate you about what you have to look forward to. We have the medical and legal knowledge to tell you what you are facing and how you can be helped. We pledge to always tell you like it is so you can make informed decisions about your brain injury and how best to help yourself. This is what we do.
