Recognizing Indications of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries range from relatively minor to catastrophic. Caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, TBIs are frequently the result of car crashes, truck accidents, sports injuries, bike accidents, or an assault. In the worst-case scenarios, TBIs lead to a lifetime of mental and physical impairment. One of the scariest parts of a TBI is that the symptoms of a brain injury are not always immediately apparent. If you or someone you love has been in a serious accident, continue to monitor yourself or your loved one for signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.

Immediate signs of a brain injury

After an accident, such as a car crash, a physician should examine and test you for a brain injury. After release from a hospital, you can continue to monitor yourself or your loved one for:

• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Sensation of pressure in the head
• Vision problems, e.g. blurred vision or dilated pupils
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, report to your doctor immediately for follow-up tests or scans, such as an MRI.

There are some very serious danger signs that the patient could exhibit that require immediate medical attention. Bring the patient to the emergency room if they begin:

• Having a seizure
• Having convulsions
• Losing consciousness
• Losing the ability to see clearly
• Experiencing weakness or numbness
• Slurring their speech
• Losing the ability to recognize people, places, or things

Symptoms that may not appear right away

You might be sent away with a clean bill of health after your accident, yet TBI symptoms may arise later, such as:

• Depression
• Memory loss
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Excessive sleeping
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Trouble concentrating

You may exhibit substantial personality changes as well. For example, you may experience irritability, impulsivity, shortness of temper, outbursts, mood swings, and other behavioral and emotional changes. While these may seem like the symptoms of a mental health disorder, they could actually be linked to your brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are not a condition to take lightly. People who experience head injuries need to be monitored closely, both immediately and for a period of time after the incident.

Bailey & Greer, PLLC helps victims of serious injuries obtain the compensation necessary to receive effective medical care. Our priority is helping you and your family heal. Consult our Memphis catastrophic injury attorneys by phoning 901-680-9777 or completing a contact form. We will meet with you for a free, confidential case review in either our Memphis or Jackson offices. Our lawyers are proud to serve clients across West Tennessee.