Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Posted in Brain Injury on April 18, 2022
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious forms of damage that a person can sustain. The brain is one of the most important organs in the body, and any damage to the head could lead to lasting complications.
Symptoms of TBI can vary from person to person. However, there are some telltale symptoms, like headaches and loss of consciousness. If you experience any signs of a traumatic brain injury, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs can occur when you sustain any type of trauma to your head. For example, a foreign object may collide with or penetrate your skull, or you may hit your head against a hard surface. This impact can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
Some of the most common symptoms of a TBI include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Convulsions or seizures
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Agitation, combativeness, or sudden behavior changes
- Clear fluids draining from ears or eyes
When Should You Go to the Doctor After a Head Injury?
Any brain injury is serious, even those that are classified as mild. Symptoms of a TBI may not occur until hours or even days following the initial accident. The longer that a brain injury goes untreated, the more serious and permanent the effects will be.
To avoid dangerous complications, you should always seek medical attention after experiencing any type of head injury, even if you do not show symptoms. You should seek medical care, especially if you experience a blow to the head that results in behavioral changes or any signs of a traumatic brain injury.
What to Do If Someone’s Negligence Caused Your TBI
Brain injuries can occur during many types of accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, slip and falls, and bicycle accidents. In some cases, negligence on the part of a medical professional or caretaker can lead to a TBI.
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury and believe that someone else’s actions are responsible, you may be eligible for financial compensation. You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party and recover a settlement to pay for medical care and other losses.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, recovering compensation after a TBI can be a challenge. To seek help, gather evidence, and support your future case, take the following steps following the brain injury.
- File a police or incident report after the accident to create a record of your injury.
- Seek emergency medical attention and save all documents related to your TBI.
- Continue to receive medical care as recommended by your physician.
- Document how the TBI has affected your life by starting a daily journal.
- If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident by taking photographs and videos, collecting physical objects, and speaking to witnesses.
- Briefly exchange information with the other party involved in the accident.
Once you receive medical care for your injuries, contact a Missouri personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can represent your claim and help you understand your options for compensation. After your accident, speak to a Kansas City brain injury lawyer and strategize your next steps.