Traumatic brain injuries are difficult to diagnose – even by qualified medical professionals. That’s because, many times, this type of injury does not present outward symptoms. An injured person might only feel pain for a few hours after an accident before feeling “fine.” However, head pain is not the only indicator of a traumatic brain injury. Per Healthline, other symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
You should consult with a medical professional if you suspect you suffered a traumatic brain injury. These conditions can worsen over time without the appropriate care.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?
To spot the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, you must first understand what causes these conditions. Any bump, jolt, shock, or blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that head injuries are usually associated with situations like:
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Collisions
- Assaults
Traumatic brain injuries can be mild or severe in nature. Medical professionals diagnose these conditions by using imaging scans, like MRIs and CT scans.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Cause Physical, Emotional, and Sleep-Related Symptoms
The CDC confirms that traumatic brain injuries can affect multiple parts of a person’s body, including:
Their Physical Well-Being
A traumatic brain injury can cause physical impairments such as:
- Impaired range of motion
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Lack of energy
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
It can be hard to connect these symptoms to traumatic brain injuries because they are also symptoms of many other conditions. For instance, a medical professional might attribute your lack of energy to depression instead of a head injury. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely in the days and weeks following a traumatic incident.
Their Emotional Stability
Your brain doesn’t just control movement – it also controls how you respond to and perceive events. Any disruption to the brain’s normal activity could cause:
- Anxiety or feeling “on edge”
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anger
- Sadness
- Impulsive behavior
In addition to affecting your emotional stability, a traumatic brain injury can also cause feelings of grogginess, sluggishness, and issues with short-term memory.
Their Ability to Sleep Soundly
As noted above, traumatic brain injuries disrupt the brain’s normal function. Even a mild brain injury can interrupt your sleep or wake cycle or prevent you from falling asleep altogether. Some of the sleep issues commonly caused by traumatic brain injuries include:
- Problems falling asleep
- Problems staying asleep
- Sleeping more than usual
A person with a traumatic brain injury may sleep soundly through the night, only to wake up and feel depleted.
Why Is It Important to Spot the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Even if you are not sure whether you suffered a traumatic brain injury or not, you should seek medical treatment right away. While some minor brain injuries go away on their own, others can last a lifetime without the appropriate care.
A doctor can thoroughly explain your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. They may even recommend lifestyle changes to accommodate a long-term condition, such as taking time off work or using an assistive aid like a wheelchair.
Can Medical Treatment Cure a Traumatic Brain Injury?
When a patient seeks treatment for a traumatic brain injury, their treatment options depend on the nature of their condition. For concussions, a doctor may prescribe pain medications and recommend long periods of rest. For other conditions (like brain swelling), you may need to undergo surgery to alleviate pressure on your skull and brain.
Sadly, the CDC reports that for moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, 50 percent of patients either gradually decline or pass away.
You Have Legal Options If You Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to consider the cause of your condition. Our law firm can determine if negligence caused your condition and pursue compensation from the liable party. Financial recovery can help account for your healthcare expenses, lost income, and “pain and suffering” and inconvenience.
To recover compensation, you can:
File an Insurance Claim
After we identify the at-fault party, we will determine if they have insurance to cover your losses. For instance, if you were hurt in a car accident, you can file an insurance claim with the other party’s provider. Their insurance policy may offer compensation that covers your injury-related damages.
File a Lawsuit
If the insurance company does not want to settle, we can file a lawsuit directly against the party that harmed you. You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file, per Va. Code § 8.01-243. This deadline also applies if you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, except it begins from the date of your loved one’s passing.
Connect with the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Today About Your Case
If you are feeling strange and were recently involved in an accident, you may have a traumatic brain injury. Our firm can evaluate the cause of your condition and determine if you have grounds for legal action. With our team on your side, you can focus on getting better while we fight for the money you need.
Call (571) 229-1800 today for a free case review.
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