Symptoms of Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have a wide range of severity with an array of symptoms and side effects. There are several ways in which an individual, young or old, might suffer from a TBI. While some of the indicative qualities of a brain injury arise immediately, others take days or weeks to appear.
Though each may look a bit different from the next, all brain injuries require immediate medical attention. So, in the instance of a violent blow to the head or body, make sure to check for these signs of an injury. There are a few classes of traumatic brain injury: mild, moderate, and severe. This degree of severity is dependent on the force of impact and the circumstances by which the accident took place.
Though they are broken into severity categories, all traumatic brain injuries should receive proper medical attention. Do not hesitate to take action the moment you notice symptoms.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury:
Though a mild traumatic brain injury is the least severe among TBIs, it is still a serious injury. Be aware of the signs and symptoms and promptly seek medical attention when you suspect that something is wrong.
A mild traumatic brain injury affects the brain cells temporarily. You’ll notice evidence of this type of injury with the following physical, cognitive, and sensory clues according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Physical Symptoms of Mild TBI
- Short periods of lost consciousness, from a few seconds to a few minutes.
- State of disorientation wherein the individual does not lose consciousness but is dazed and confused.
- Fatigue and drowsiness.
- Dizziness and loss of balance.
- Headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble with sleeping, including sleeping too much or being unable to fall asleep.
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
This class of injury may be far more extensive. They can result in bruising, torn tissue, and bleeding – all of which are serious issues with the potential to result in long-term complications and even death. So, in these instances, be sure to seek immediate medical attention to minimize threatening complications.
Physical Symptoms of Severe TBI
- Several minutes to hours of lost consciousness or the inability to wake from sleep.
- Severe nausea with repeated vomiting.
- Persistent and worsening headache.
- Dilated pupils in both eyes.
- Loss of coordination or weakness or numbness in limbs, fingers, and toes.
- Clear fluids coming from the nose and ears.
- Convulsions and seizures.
Cognitive Symptoms of Brain Injury
- Significant confusion.
- Out of ordinary behavior.
- Slurred and broken speech.
What Should You Do If You’ve Had a Head Injury?
If you have had a severe head injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Head injuries can be very serious, and even life-threatening, and should not be taken lightly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Call for emergency medical assistance: If you are with someone, ask them to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. If you are alone, call for help as soon as possible.
- Stay still: Do not move around too much. Stay still and keep your head still to avoid further injury.
- Apply pressure to any bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area using a clean cloth or bandage. Do not remove any object that has penetrated the skull or is lodged in the wound.
- Keep someone with you: If possible, have someone stay with you until help arrives. This can help to keep you calm and prevent you from further injuring yourself.
- Follow medical advice: Once you receive medical attention, it is important to follow any advice or instructions given by the healthcare provider. This may include resting, taking medication, or undergoing further tests or treatment.
Remember, head injuries can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Do not delay seeking help if you have had a severe head injury.
Contact William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.
Traumatic brain injuries can impact people of all ages and from all walks of life. And no matter the severity, a brain injury can pose lasting devastation. Therefore, it is necessary that if you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another, to depend upon experienced and knowledgeable attorneys to assist in your recovery. William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is prepared to offer legal guidance and counsel in these difficult times, contact us today to discuss.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.