There are few injuries that could be as life-changing as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to the CDC, a TBI is a type of injury to the head from a jolt, blow, bump, or penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function.
Many people that are involved in an accident who suffer traumatic blows to the body or head will find that their lives will never be the same again, as they are unable to lead normal lives or even think clearly. If you have been involved in an auto accident and believe you may have suffered traumatic brain injury, you should talk to an attorney to get you compensation to cover lost earnings and pay for medical treatment.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most telling symptoms of a TBI could be a blackout immediately after a blow to the head. If the blow only causes a mild concussion, the blackout may only be for a couple of seconds or you may have no blackout at all. If the injury was really serious, you the traumatic brain injury could leave you insentient for hours or even days. After a car accident, you need to ask witnesses or fellow passenger if you passed out given that you might be too disoriented to remember.
Other symptoms of a TBI include:
1) Headaches
2) Irritability
3) Stiff Neck
4) Loss of short-term Memory
5) Mental Confusion
6) Impaired Sleep
7) Loss of coordination
8) Slurred Speech
9) Lack of Balance
10) Convulsions, and
11) Nausea
You could have several of these symptoms all at once. For instance, you could have trouble sleeping combined with the loss of short-term memory and headaches. If you have been involved in an automobile accident and notice any of these symptoms, you need to immediately seek medical attention.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that TBI symptoms may sometimes not manifest for a day or two after the accident, hence the need to be alert to any changes in your body. Immediately head to a hospital if you suspect you may have had a traumatic head injury.
It is also important to remember that you can get a TBI without necessarily getting a blow to the head. Auto accidents that cause the head to significantly move back and forth or from side to side (whiplash) can cause a lot of damage. Even if the head does not suffer a blow such jerking may cause the brain to move in the cranium, damage blood vessels, and tissue which can cause TBI.
How to Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injury
There is no standardized test for the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries, given that there are so many techniques employed depending on the doctor. Some of the most common techniques will involve testing of your reflexes and the asking of questions to determine if you still have 100% of your mental faculties. Depending on how long you were unconscious, the doctor can make determinations of the extent of your brain injuries.
Some doctors will prefer to keep you in the hospital to monitor you for any symptoms of TBI. If you exhibit any concussive symptoms, the doctor will make a diagnosis of a concussion and order more tests. Symptoms of a concussion may be enough justification to prescribe brain imaging scans to determine if you could have suffered a TBI.
Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Depending on how severe your injuries or symptoms are, the doctor will order that you take a given therapy or prescription. Mild concussions can normally be treated with over the counter prescriptions which can be effective at alleviating pain. You might also be advised to not exert yourself for a few weeks. Mild concussions will be totally healed after a few months.
If you happen to have more serious injuries or symptoms, the doctor may recommend therapy to help you relearn how to talk, walk and take care of yourself. Very serious traumatic brain injuries may require admission into intensive care, where medics can monitor your brain and vitals until you stabilize. While you could go back to normal after having TBI, it is critical to remember that it can be a very slow journey back, and there is a possibility that you might never fully recover your faculties.
Why you should talk to an Accident Attorney
Given how much experience the attorneys at the Levin Firm have, we acknowledge that traumatic brain injuries are very serious injuries though you can have a full recovery if you persevere with treatment and rehabilitation. Getting the compensation for lost wages, pain, and suffering, and payment for medical treatment will go a long way towards helping you get back on your feet after a TBI.A
