Brain injuries can occur after any type of serious accident, whether it's a car crash, a fall, or a sports injury. Recognizing the signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for getting proper treatment and preventing further damage.
This article will go over the common symptoms of a TBI and when to seek emergency care after an accident. In addition to medical care, a brain injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for the damages caused by your injury.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Every year, approximately 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain a TBI. Of those, around 230,000 are hospitalized and survive. Unfortunately, about 50,000 people die from their injuries. The brain is fragile and enclosed inside the hard skull, so any forceful impact can cause it to move around and get damaged. The severity of injury can range from mild to severe.
Causes and Risk Factors
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, accounting for nearly half of all hospitalizations related to brain trauma. Slips, trips, and falls can easily cause someone to hit their head on a hard surface. Males are nearly two times more likely to be hospitalized for a TBI than females. People over the age of 75 have the highest rates of hospitalization and death due to their increased risk of falling.
Signs and Symptoms
Some signs of a TBI may be noticeable right away, while other problems can develop over time. Here are some common indicators:
- Headache or neck pain
- Dizziness, feeling faint, lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, anxiety, mood swings
- Lack of coordination, balance issues
- Seizures
- Slurred speech, difficulty communicating
The more severe the injury, the sooner symptoms appear. Mild TBIs may not have obvious effects right away. Subtle problems like trouble concentrating, fatigue, insomnia, and mood changes could show up hours or days later.
Seeking Emergency Care
Any time you hit your head and feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused afterward, it’s crucial to get examined by a doctor. Seek emergency care immediately if any of the following are present after an accident:
- Loss of consciousness for any amount of time
- Severe headache or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Inability to wake up
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech
- Weakness/numbness in extremities
- Decreased coordination
- A deep cut or bleeding from the head
The first 24-48 hours after a brain injury are critical. Brain swelling peaks at this time, so delaying treatment could be dangerous. Scans like CTs or MRIs can detect internal damage that’s not visible externally. Early intervention gives the best chance of minimizing long-term effects.
Recovering from a TBI
The recovery process after a TBI varies significantly depending on factors like age, initial injury severity, area of the brain affected, and how soon treatment began. With mild TBIs, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that's needed to feel better within days or weeks. More severe injuries often require hospitalization, medications, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care to regain functioning.
Some people are left with permanent disabilities affecting movement, senses, cognition, or emotions. A neuropsychological evaluation can diagnose these issues. Veterans dealing with TBIs sustained during active duty may have additional options like VA benefits. Those injured in accidents may need a brain injury lawyer to help handle insurance claims and compensation if the accident wasn't their fault.
Acting quickly if you suspect a head injury can potentially minimize damage and long-term problems. Understanding the signs of a TBI empowers you to seek appropriate medical care after an accident. With proper treatment, many people with brain trauma can go on to make a full recovery.
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