It’s easy to take your health for granted. When you are feeling well and your body is fully functional, it usually leads to an active lifestyle like engaging in physical fitness or playing sports.
However, that can all change in a split second with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
There are many causes of a traumatic brain injury. Notwithstanding, most TBI injuries result from a violent blow to the head or a significant jolt to the head or body. There are other incidents where an object penetrates brain tissue and causes a TBI.
Traumatic brain injuries are not only extraordinarily serious but also may not demonstrate significant symptoms until weeks or months after the accident occurred. So, it’s essential to make yourself aware of the symptoms.
What Is a TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries result from a violent blow to the head or jolt to the body. TBI is considered a catastrophic injury by medical experts which means that you should seek medical attention following the incident, even if you aren’t demonstrating any troublesome symptoms.
Head injuries notoriously do not show symptoms for weeks or months after the accident. While mild TBIs may only impact your brain cells temporarily, more serious forms of the catastrophic injury can result in bleeding, bruising, torn tissues, and other physical damages to the brain.
These damages are serious and generally completely alter the victim’s way of life. They can lead to chronic or permanent complications and even death.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are several causes of TBIs. Some of the more common types of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Athletic Injuries
- Combat Incidents/Explosions
- Bullet Wounds to the Head
You may be entitled to compensation for your TBI accident if someone is at-fault and responsible for your injuries. Contact Stewart & Stewart for a free consultation.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
There is a wide range of physical and psychological effects related to TBIs. Consequently, every accident is treated differently even if they all fall under the category of TBI.
The symptoms of TBIs range from mild to severe. Please keep in mind that some signs or symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not immediately appear after the incident, which makes seeing a doctor and speaking to legal representation (if someone else may be at fault) particularly important.
#1 Loss of Consciousness
It’s reported that most victims of TBIs lose consciousness anywhere from a few seconds to minutes. However, not everyone that suffers from traumatic brain injury loses their consciousness during the episode yet may acknowledge they felt dazed, confused, or disoriented.
Regardless, if you suffered a serious blow to the head or neck, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are worried about affording the medical bills, Stewart & Stewart can help you receive damages if someone else is responsible for the accident.
#2 Headache or Disorientation
Head injuries are a type of catastrophic injury because they may significantly alter your lifestyle. In the worst-case examples, it leads to death.
If you are experiencing headaches following the accident, speak to a medical expert. Moreover, any dizziness or loss of balance is a clear indicator that you may be suffering from a TBI following the event.
#3 Cognitive Issues
A catastrophic injury like a TBI generally contributes to cognitive and mental symptoms since the brain was harmed or damaged during the accident.
Do you feel anxious or depressed? Have you noticed mood swings or erratic behavior that is not common with your history? What about a problem focusing, concentrating, or remembering things from the past?
Traumatic brain injuries can alter your mood and make it difficult to focus. Speak to a medical expert to get a diagnosis if you are facing these cognitive issues on your own. They can help!
#4 Nausea and Fatigue
It is normal to get tired after a long day at work or intense exercise. However, if you feel like you are unusually fatigued or drowsy, you may have suffered a TBI.
The problem is especially noteworthy if you are vomiting and suffering from extreme nausea. Stewart & Stewart wants to help you receive damages for your injuries if you receive a diagnosis for a TBI.
#5 Sensory Problems
Those that struggle with traumatic brain injury often cite a wide range of sensory problems. Some victims have issues with their speech while others suffer from blurred vision.
In other patients, there were reports of ringing in the ears or a bad taste in the mouth. Some also noticed changes in the ability to smell or sensitivity to light and sound.
#6 Sleep Irregularities
Patients with TBIs notice irregularities in their sleep patterns. For example, some victims have difficulty sleeping while others sleep more than usual.
Every TBI case is different, which makes getting a medical diagnosis incredibly important. Stewart & Stewart wants to help with your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you receive compensation for your medical bills, missed time from work, and/or emotional damages.