Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries After Accidents
Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) will have a dramatic effect on your life. In fact, the impact may be so severe that it prevents you from performing basic day-to-day activities — like eating, getting dressed, and even walking — without personal assistance.
A TBI is likely to require extensive medical treatment and lifelong assisted living care. These injuries generate astronomical expenses, and many TBI victims are unable to resume their careers.
It’s important to be aware of the short- and long-term symptoms of TBI so you can make informed decisions about the medical treatment and legal assistance you will need to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force, often occurring during a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, can also result in a traumatic brain injury. Frequent incidents that cause TBIs include car and motorcycle accidents, truck crashes, when a pedestrian is stuck by a motor vehicle, falls, sports injuries, explosions, gunshot wounds, and assault.
Recognizing the Immediate Signs of a TBI
Physical signs of a traumatic brain injury can present themselves immediately after the incident. Headaches, often severe and persistent, are common and may indicate a concussion or worse. Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds, should be taken seriously, as it reflects the brain’s response to trauma. Nausea or vomiting following a head injury can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
Sensory disturbances often accompany traumatic brain injuries, and they can serve as critical indicators of the severity of the trauma. Dizziness and problems with balance or coordination are red flags for a potential TBI. Sensory issues such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or a bad taste in the mouth are additional symptoms that victims may experience.
- Blurred vision may occur immediately after a TBI, signaling that the visual pathways or the area of the brain that processes sight have been affected.
- Tinnitus, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, may result from the shock of the injury to the head.
- TBI victims may also report a temporary loss of smell or taste, which is concerning as it suggests potential nerve damage.
- Sensitivity to light and sound is another common symptom — bright lights or loud noises may become overwhelmingly painful.
These physical signs are the body’s immediate reaction to brain trauma, and they warrant prompt medical evaluation to assess the extent of the injury and initiate proper treatment.
It is important to monitor these sensory symptoms closely, as they can help healthcare determine the impact of the injury and guide decisions regarding the need for further medical imaging or intervention.
Delayed Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Cognitive and emotional changes are often less apparent immediately following a traumatic brain injury, but they can emerge over time. These changes can seriously affect an accident victim’s quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities.
- Memory loss, particularly short-term memory, is a common cognitive symptom that may arise.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions can significantly impair work performance and social interactions.
On the emotional front, TBI victims may experience sudden mood swings. A person who was once patient and calm may suddenly exhibit irritability or signs of aggression. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can develop or worsen as a result of a TBI. Sleep disturbances are another common consequence of TBIs that may develop over time. Victims may struggle with insomnia, or they may be prone to excessive sleepiness during the day.
These delayed signs are important to document, as they are significant in assessing the long-term impact of the injury and can be critical in legal claims for compensation.
Getting the Right Medical Treatment After Suffering a TBI
Immediate medical attention after a suspected traumatic brain injury is vital for several reasons. Some symptoms of a TBI may not be immediately apparent, and they can become worse without prompt treatment. A healthcare professional will perform the necessary assessments to determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate course of action. This may include imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs that can detect internal damage not visible to the naked eye.
Early medical intervention can also help prevent potential complications, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Having timely and accurate medical records is very important if the TBI victim decides to pursue a personal injury claim. Obtaining detailed and timely medical documentation of your injuries will make it easier for your traumatic brain injury attorney to seek the compensation you need to live to your fullest potential.
Our Savannah Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help
The TBI attorneys at Butler Prather LLP can help you get the money you need by filing a claim or lawsuit against the person who committed an act of negligence that contributed to your injuries. Our Savannah personal injury law firm has been helping accident victims for over 35 years. We’ve won settlements and verdicts for clients in over 30 states, nine verdicts that exceed $100 million, and over 60 verdicts and settlements that exceed $10 million.
Butler Prather LLP is diligent and determined to help you seek the justice you deserve. Call (706) 322-1990 to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our Savannah TBI lawyers today.