Health

What Are The Long Term Effects of a Brain Injury?

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2022

The brain is involved in so many aspects of daily life that any injury is disruptive. However, the severity of the disruption will depend on many facts, including which part of the brain is injured and the overall seriousness of the injury. Traumatic brain injuries are a common injury which send more than 200,000 people to the hospital each year. You might receive compensation for a traumatic brain injury.

With a mild brain injury, a person should make substantial recovery within 90 days or so. However, more severe TBIs can lead to concussion syndrome and lasting symptoms, such as those discussed below.

Memory Loss

Moderate and severe TBIs often cause memory problems, even long term. Many patients can’t remember appointments, meetings, and other short-term commitments. They forget where they put their keys or a piece of information they were immediately told. They also can’t force themselves to “remember to remember.”

Memory loss might improve somewhat with time, as the brain heals from the brain injury. But many patients will need to develop strategies for working around their memory loss. Certain memory devices—like having a smartphone app remind you of a meeting—can help people live independently despite their limitations.

Sleep Disturbances

Roughly 30-70% of those who suffer a TBI develop sleep disorders, such as:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Periodic limb movement disorder

Prescriptions can help with sleep, especially in the short term. But long-term changes to sleep patterns are difficult to counter. Further, changes to sleep can impact the ability to recover from the TBI, creating a vicious circle.

Balance and Coordination Problems

The brain is closely involved in helping people stand upright and move. A serious traumatic brain injury can lead to significant impairments, including a loss of balance or difficulty coordinating movements. Dizziness is another long-term symptom which impairs a person’s balance.

Speech Impairment

The left-hand side of the brain regulators speech, both talking and understanding language. Serious injury to this part of the brain can lead to long-term difficulties communicating with others. However, many TBI patients receive speech therapy and, with intense effort, make at least partial recovery.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are some of the hardest to deal with following a traumatic brain injury. Common changes include:

Poor judgment
Problems with impulse control
Increased anger or frustration
Repetitive behaviors
Impaired social skills
Changes in sexual behavior
Development of depression, anxiety, or mood swings

Behavioral therapy, as well as prescription drugs, can help anyone suffering from a TBI. But the road to recovery is difficult and many families need help taking care of a loved one due to behavioral changes.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Following a Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are an expensive injury to grapple with. Many accident victims struggle for years with large medical expenses while, at the same time, being unable to work. Fortunately, you could receive compensation for a traumatic brain injury if someone else’s negligence ended up hurting you. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case to determine if you can bring a claim.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.