One of the most serious injuries that can occur is to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can have a substantial impact on your quality of life. While major accidents like car wrecks are often responsible for TBIs, a brain injury can occur from any impact to the head. Traumatic brain injuries are not always immediately apparent, so it is important to look for signs and symptoms following any head injury.
What Is a TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries occur when impact to the head or neck causes the brain to violently move. These injuries can also occur when an object goes through the skull and enters the brain tissue. A TBI can be anywhere from mild to severe, even fatal. The results of the injury can be temporary or cause permanent damage to the brain cells.
The concern with TBI accidents is that the symptoms are not always immediate. If you were in a car accident, you may seem fine initially, but then begin having symptoms of a TBI days, even weeks, later. Many cases of TBI go undiagnosed or the cause is misdiagnosed, as the symptoms are often separated in time from the head trauma.
Symptoms of Mild TBI
If you fall and hit your head, you may have a bump or bruise but seem to feel fine. It is still possible that you sustained a mild to moderate TBI. Some symptoms to watch for over the following days, even weeks, include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue
- Changes in your senses – blurred vision, odd odors, taste differences, ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting or nausea
- Cognitive or behavioral changes – mood swings, mental fogginess, anxiety, memory issues and sleeping changes
While many of these symptoms can be contributed to other issues, when you have more than one following a head injury, you should see a doctor. Many cases of mild TBI can resolve on their own or be temporary, but it is always prudent to seek medical care.
Symptoms of Moderate to Severe TBI
When the brain is damaged from impact or puncture, it can result in moderate to severe TBIs that may have permanent consequences. It is vital to receive treatment for TBI when you have any of the following symptoms after head trauma:
- Severe headache, vomiting, nausea or sensory changes
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Loss of consciousness, from minutes to hours or comatose
- Weakness, tingling or numbness in toes or fingers
- Confusion
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Behavioral changes – anger, depression, agitation
Severe TBI can result in long-term disabilities, from behavior and mental challenges to physical challenges. Knowing the early symptoms can ensure you receive the medical care needed as soon as possible for yourself or others.
Personal Injury TBI Claims
Victims with TBI may require long-term medical care. If you or a loved one sustain a severe TBI from a fall, vehicle wreck or other trauma caused by negligence, you need an experienced legal team to fight for your right to compensation. At Ligori & Ligori, we have the resources, expertise and experience you need when seeking damages for a serious head injury. Call our offices in Tampa, Orlando, Key West, Lakeland or Ocala, FL to schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your TBI claim.
Posted on behalf of