An Italian man who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) now lives, speaks, and acts like a lifelong Frenchman.
Before the 50-year-old man suffered his injury, he showed no interest whatsoever in French culture. Now “J.C.,” as researchers call him, is obsessed with French movies, cuisine and literature. He speaks staccato-style French that is full of inaccuracies and often poses in caricature style. Researchers also noted that he continues to write in Italian.
Compulsive foreign language syndrome, which is a vascular anomaly, is a rare but medically recognized condition.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in New York
Friends and loved ones of the estimated 1.7 million Americans who sustain TBIs each year know all too well that there is nothing amusing, or even unusual, about this story. In fact, a radical personality change is one of the most common secondary symptoms of a serious brain injury. Men who would not even touch aspirin or caffeine before their injuries suddenly develop substance abuse problems, while women who were docile and easygoing before their accident become hot tempered or even violent. And children who were effusive and bubbly may suddenly become sullen and withdrawn.
These secondary symptoms, along with chronic headaches, trouble sleeping and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), often appear because the immediate symptoms, like nausea and partial loss of consciousness, can be easily missed or misdiagnosed as early onset dementia in older folks and shock in younger victims. Eventually, many TBI victims lose bodily functions and encounter serious health problems as a result of their accident-related injuries. Although the injuries themselves are irreversible, the symptoms can be managed through aggressive medical treatment and physical therapy.
People over the age of 65 and under the age of 14 are the most at-risk age groups, but anyone can sustain a TBI. The most common causes of traumatic head injuries in New York include:
- Motor Vehicle Collisions: All crashes have two impacts – the vehicle-to-vehicle impact and the occupant-vehicle impact. The secondary impacts often cause brain injuries.
- Falls: Whether it is a fall from a height, a missed stair step, or banging into a door or table, the impact on the brain is very much the same.
- Sudden Loud Noises: Scientists believe that explosive blasts and other events create shock waves that disrupt brain activity.
Other causes of traumatic brain injuries include assaults and physical contact during sporting events. Victims in all of these cases are ordinarily entitled to compensation for both their economic damages, like medical bills, and their noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering.
Brain injury victims and their families may be in line for significant financial compensation. For a free consultation with experienced personal injury attorneys who stand up for victims, contact Proner & Proner today and arrange a no-cost consultation at one of our NY offices. We do not charge upfront legal fees in personal injury cases.
