A traumatic brain injury could happen to anyone anywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls and car crashes are the two top accidents that cause brain damage.
If you have recently been in a car wreck, a fall or some other accident that has left you with symptoms of a TBI, it is essential for you to seek medical attention. The Mayo Clinic lists the following signs that you may have sustained a TBI.
Physical signs of a TBI
Losing consciousness is one of the immediate signs that a blow to the head has caused a TBI. However, not everyone loses consciousness, and some people lose consciousness briefly and do not remember it.
If the TBI is mild, you may notice a headache, dizziness, nausea and sleep problems. With a more severe TBI, you may experience the same symptoms but much worse: persistent headache, repeated vomiting, loss of coordination and the inability to wake up after falling asleep. A severe TBI may also include these symptoms:
- Seizures
- Clear fluids coming from the ears or nose
- Dilated pupils
- Weak or numb fingers and toes
Sensory signs of a TBI
Vision problems such as light sensitivity and blurred vision may seem obviously related to a blow to the head. However, because the brain controls the senses, a TBI may also affect your ability to smell, and you may have a bad taste in your mouth. Your ears may ring, or you may feel extra sensitivity to sounds.
Cognitive/mental signs of a TBI
Even a mild TBI can cause changes in your ability to think clearly. You could begin to have problems remembering things, feel confused or lose focus easily. It can affect your speech, causing slurring.
TBIs affect emotions, too. You may have significant mood swings or display unusual behavior such as combativeness. Agitation, anxiety and depression are also common.
It is important to note that a seemingly mild bump on the head could cause a slow bleed or bruising of the brain tissues that creates gradual pressure inside the skull. Continue to watch for delayed symptoms during the days and weeks after the accident.
Medical attention and treatment for a brain injury can be expensive. If someone else’s negligence caused your TBI, you may be able to receive compensation to cover your financial losses. If you’re in an accident, contact Surdez & Perez P.C.
