What are the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries are gaining more prominence in the media as more research comes out on the serious impact that a brain injury can cause a person immediately after an accident as well as into the future. Almost any type of accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the effects can range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent damage. At Mitch Grissim & Associates, our team of legal professionals has a track record of success advocating for the victims of brain injuries after an accident and is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call the office or contact the office to schedule a free evaluation of your case today.
Moderate Or Severe TBI
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. While mild TBIs can cause symptoms such as confusion and headaches, moderate to severe TBIs can have much more serious and long-lasting effects. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a number of events, including car accidents, explosions, physical assaults, sports injuries, and gun shot wounds.
The severity of a brain injury can depend on the force of the impact and the areas of the brain that are injured. Moderate to severe TBIs can cause a variety of symptoms, including unconsciousness, difficulty with movement and coordination, difficulty with speaking and language, memory and cognitive issues, and changes in personality and behavior. These types of TBIs can also cause long-term effects, including impairments to physical and mental abilities, and impairments to overall brain function. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a head injury, as the effects of moderate to severe TBIs can be severe and long-lasting.
There are many different events that can cause a moderate or severe TBI.
Falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, and falls are a common cause of moderate to severe TBIs. When a person falls, their head can strike a hard surface or object, causing a direct injury to the brain and brain tissue. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, swelling, and other trauma to the brain, which can cause a traumatic injury. Falls that result in a traumatic brain injury can range from a short distance fall to a long fall from a great height, such as a fall from a ladder or balcony. Injuries from these types of falls can be especially severe, as the force of the impact can cause greater damage to the brain and brain tissue. Falls from a great height can even cause death. It is important to take measures to prevent falls, as they can result in traumatic brain injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). When a person is involved in a motor vehicle accident, their head can strike the dashboard, steering wheel, or window, causing a direct injury to the brain and head. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, and other trauma to the brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The severity of the brain injury can depend on the speed of the vehicle, the type of vehicle, and the type of impact. Motor vehicle accidents can result in a mild or severe TBI, and can even cause death. It is important to wear a seatbelt and drive safely, as motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Physical Assaults
Physical assaults are another common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). When a person is physically assaulted, their head can be struck with a hard object or hit against a hard surface, causing a direct injury to the brain and head. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, and other trauma to the brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Physical assaults can result in a mild or severe TBI, and can even cause death. It is important to take measures to prevent physical assaults, as they can result in traumatic brain injuries.
Physical assaults are a serious issue in today’s society, and can cause severe injuries to both the physical and mental health of victims. Physical assaults can range from mild concussion to gunshot wounds, and can cause serious damage to the blood vessels, brain function and other organs. Victims of physical assaults can suffer from a variety of injuries such as broken bones, bruises and cuts. In the most severe cases, victims may suffer from brain damage, severe bleeding, and even death. Victims of physical assaults may have to undergo medical treatment to repair damaged blood vessels, as well as to treat any mild concussion or gunshot wounds. The long-term effects of physical assaults can also be devastating, causing permanent physical and mental damage to the victim. It is important to take precautions to avoid being a victim of physical assault, as it can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to wear a helmet when participating in activities that pose a risk of head injuries. Helmets can help to protect the head from impacts and reduce the risk of a TBI. It is also important to be aware of potential hazards in the environment, such as slippery surfaces and unstable furniture, which can increase the risk of falls and head injuries.
Non-Penetrating Blunt Force Trauma
Non-penetrating blunt force trauma is another cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). When a person is hit in the head with an object or strikes their head against a hard surface, it can cause a direct injury to the brain and head. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, and other trauma to the brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Non-penetrating blunt force trauma can result in a mild or severe TBI, and can even cause death. It is important to take measures to prevent blunt force trauma to the head, as it can result in a traumatic brain injury.
Driving Safely To Avoid Brain Injury
When driving, it is important to obey traffic laws and practice safe driving habits to reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Always wear a seatbelt and make sure passengers are also buckled in. Avoid distractions such as talking on a cell phone, eating, or drinking while driving. Be mindful of other drivers and be aware of potential hazards on the road. Following these safety precautions can help to avoid a brain injury.
Protecting Children From Traumatic Brain Injury
It is important to take steps to protect children from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Supervise children when they are playing to ensure they are not engaging in activities that pose a risk of head injuries. Make sure playgrounds are age-appropriate and have soft surfaces to cushion falls. Ensure helmets are worn when riding bicycles or skateboarding. These simple steps can help to protect children from a traumatic brain injury.
Sports Safety To Avoid Brain Injury
When participating in sports, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wear the appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, mouth guards, and protective padding. Make sure the playing surface is safe and free from debris. Follow the rules of the game and avoid aggressive or dangerous play. Following these safety measures can help to reduce the risk of a head injury.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
A brain injury is typically caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head during an accident. A mild brain injury causes temporary damage to your brain cells and the effects can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can cause physical, cognitive, and sensory problems. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a mild head injury after an accident include the following:
- Brief loss of consciousness from a few seconds to a few minutes
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Speech problems
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiousness
Even if you suspect that a head injury is mild, it is still important that you see a doctor right away after an accident for diagnosis and treatment. TBI symptoms
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
A Moderate to severe head injury can be caused by a blow or jolt to the head as well as from an object that penetrates the skull into the brain tissue. A more serious head injury can lead to brain bruising, torn tissue, bleeding, and other physical damage to the brain that in turn causes long-term complications and even death to victims. The signs of a moderate to severe brain injury can manifest immediately after the accident or in the hours and days after the injury. Some of the most common symptoms of a moderate to severe TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
- Persistent headache or headache that worsens
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Profound confusion
- Agitation and combativeness
- Slurred speech
- Coma
- Death
At the first sign of a moderate to severe traumatic head injury it is critical that you seek immediate medical treatment. Failure to do so can result in permanent, long-term disability or even death as a result of the trauma.
Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often treated with a combination of rest and over-the-counter medications. Rest is important to allow the brain time to heal. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. It is also important to monitor for any changes in behavior or cognition that could indicate a more serious TBI. If symptoms worsen, a brain MRI may be recommended.
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often treated with a combination of medication, physical therapy, and cognitive therapy. Medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Physical therapy can help to restore physical strength and coordination, while cognitive therapy can help to improve memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. In some cases, a brain MRI may be recommended to detect any skull fractures or other signs of brain damage.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often treated with a combination of medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. Medications such as steroids can help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the brain. Surgery may be necessary to repair skull fractures and other damage to the brain. Finally, rehabilitation can help to restore physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. A brain MRI may be used to diagnose any skull fractures or other brain damage that may require surgery.
Talk to Our Office Now
Every head injury must be taken seriously and deserve to be compensated for after an accident. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI, contact our Nashville brain injury attorneys at Mitch Grissim & Associates to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
