One of the most serious injuries a New Haven resident can sustain is a brain injury. With more than 3 million Americans nationwide suffering from traumatic brain injury, there are many who have to live with side effects for the rest of their lives. While no two brain injuries are the same, researchers have found a common side effect from which more than half of brain injury victims suffer.

Specifically, these researchers found that 50 to 60 percent of traumatic brain injury victims suffer from either lost or greatly diminished sex lives. These victims can suffer from a variety of sexual difficulties including erectile dysfunction, diminished sex appeal and difficulties in achieving orgasm. Experts say sexual problems associated with TBI often do not get the attention they need by physicians.

Aside from the victim’s personal sexual issues with which they must struggle, partners or spouses of TBI victims have also found it difficult to continue in a relationship of any kind with the victim. Perhaps because of the loss of sex life or the personality changes that often accompany a brain injury, the divorce rate among TBI victims can be as high as 78 percent. More than 75 percent of these victims will eventually end up in a divorce.

TBI is caused by many things and most commonly occur after a slip and fall. However, many injuries happen because of car accidents. Between drunk drivers and negligent drivers, many TBI victims would not be in the shape they are in were it not for the actions of another persons. Medical expenses and the cost of long-term care of TBI can be extremely expansive. However, these costs may be nothing when compared to the negative impact a TBI can have on both an individual and his or her relationships. The emotional loss a person experiences as a result can be tremendous.

Many New Haven residents suffer from TBI. Anyone who has suffered a brain injury from the negligence of another may be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. An attorney may provide help and guidance when seeking compensation for damages.

Source: Medical Press, “Sex lives often an overlooked casualty of traumatic brain injury,” Barbara Bronson Gray, April 29, 2013