Traumatic brain injury is the main cause of disability and death in individuals between 1 and 44 years of age, according to the Brain Trauma Foundation. Each year, approximately 52,000 deaths occur following a traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, and individuals most often suffer traumatic brain injuries following car accidents, sporting events, and falls. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury as failing to do so may result in additional health complications and death.
What are the Symptoms of a Head Injury?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, symptoms of a brain injury generally include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Headache, dizziness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Blurred vision
- Changes in sleep patterns or emotions
- Difficulty speaking coherently or remembering new information
- Disorientation and confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Impaired memory
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Sensory complications
- Feeling anxious or depressed
What Are the Differences between Mild, Moderate, and Severe Injuries?
The severity of head injury symptoms may depend on the degree of the head injury. Also known as a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury either does not render the individual unconscious or the individual is unconscious for 30 minutes or less. While symptoms often appear immediately following the injury, or shortly thereafter, a victim may not exhibit signs of a head injury for days or even weeks. Mild symptoms generally clear up within hours, but they can last for several months or more.Those who have sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury may have experienced unconsciousness lasting for 30 minutes or more. It is important to be able to differentiate between a moderate and a mild traumatic brain injury as the symptoms are similar, but those associated with a moderate head injury are more severe and often last for longer periods of time.A severe traumatic brain injury will likely render the victim unconscious for 24 hours or more. Symptoms of a serious head injury are similar to the two previous types of cases but, again, they are often more serious and last for an extended period. For instance, an individual suffering with a moderate to severe head injury may experience slurred speech, loss of coordination, seizures, or convulsions, dilation of the pupils, profound confusion or clear fluids draining from the nose or ears; these symptoms are not often associated with a mild head injury.
What Happens After a Head Injury?
Since the symptoms of all degrees of head injuries are relatively similar, it is important to be able to properly diagnose the condition in order to provide appropriate medical care and treatment. An evaluation by a healthcare professional may include questions about the circumstances surrounding the injury, an assessment of the person’s level of confusion and consciousness and a neurological examination to assess thinking, memory, hearing, vision, balance, touch, reflexes and other indicators of brain function. It is important to immediately seek medical counsel for a full evaluation if any symptoms or signs of a head injury become apparent over the next several months; remember that not all symptoms manifest immediately following trauma to the head.If you or a loved one have sustained a head injury due to the negligence of another, please contact the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys. Our experienced trial lawyers can help you receive compensation you deserve to pay for your medical bills, time missed from work and more. Please call today to learn how we can help.