How Do You Know If You Have a TBI?
Some traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are relatively mild—such as a concussion1—while others are severe and cause immediate and permanent damage. For victims of severe TBIs,2 the fact that they have sustained a serious injury is often immediately apparent and they may even lose consciousness for an extended period of time. In such cases, the brain injury victim is usually transported for emergency trauma care, stabilization, diagnosis, and treatment. However, mild brain injuries may be much less identifiable and a victim may not even realize they have sustained a concrete injury for some time. If a victim does not receive a proper diagnosis, however, they may not receive the necessary treatment and recommendations to prevent additional injury or complications.
Though it is always a good idea to err on the caution and seek medical attention if you believe there is even a chance that you sustained any degree of brain injury. The following are also come indicators that you may have a TBI.
You have been in an accident
There are many different kinds of accidents and incidents that can result in a traumatic brain injury. Naturally, any incident in which you hit your head or receive a blow to the head can cause a concussion or another form of TBI. However, you can also sustain a TBI even if you never experienced any direct head trauma. A sudden and forceful jolt of the head on your neck can sometimes cause your brain to shake inside your head and hit against the sides of your skull. This can be enough to cause damage to the brain tissue and result in a traumatic brain injury.
If you have been in any of the following types of accidents, you should seek a medical evaluation for a possible mild TBI:
- Car accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Getting hit by a falling or flying object
- Slips, trips, and falls3
- Assaults
- Explosions
You notice signs and symptoms of a brain injury
Though it can never hurt to seek medical assistance following any type of accident just to be safe, you should certainly call a medical professional or visit the emergency room if you experience any of the following types of signs or symptoms of a traumatic brain injury:
- Headaches or pounding head
- Visions or hearing impairments
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty putting thoughts into words
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Challenges following directions
- Issues with balance or coordination
- Lapses in memory
- Loss of consciousness
- Irritability, anger, or depression
- Other cognitive, emotional, or physical issues
The symptoms you may experience due to a TBI can vary widely depending on where your brain was injured and the type of damage that occurred. Therefore, if you notice any differences in your cognitive functioning, your emotional control or demeanor, or in your physical capabilities, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. Some symptoms may not be apparent for hours or even days after an injury, however, this does not mean you are not at risk for serious complications. It is prudent to have an MRI, CT scan, or other types of brain imaging tests to determine whether you have an injury.
Call for a free consultation with a Tampa Bay brain injury lawyer today
If you receive a diagnosis for traumatic brain injury, you should listen to all treatment recommendations from your doctor and any other medical professionals. However, as soon as you are able, you should also discuss your situation with a highly experienced Tampa Bay brain injury attorney. The attorneys at the Dolman Law Group will evaluate your situation and help determine whether you have a viable claim against another party. We will assist you throughout the insurance claim process and will file a lawsuit for personal injury if needed to get you the compensation for all of your losses from the liable party. We will stand up for your rights and interests throughout the entire legal process, so please do not delay in calling our office at 727-451-6900 for a free consultation today.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/
References:
1https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/concussion.html
2http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/severe.html
3http://www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/Slips-Trips-and-Falls.pdf
