Personal injury attorneys who represent clients who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) say these cases are very emotional for all. Although TBIs can be mild or moderate, a severe TBI can change a person’s life irreparably.
Defining TBIs and their cause
A TBI is a dysfunction of the brain that can be mild, moderate or severe. Causes include a sudden jolt, a violent blow to the head or body, or it can be caused by an object that penetrates the brain, like a bullet.
The good news is that those with a mild TBI can experience a full and total recovery, after experiencing some debilitating symptoms. Unfortunately, those with severe TBI can experience a range of brain/body dysfunction that may never go away. Severe TBI can be a cause of long-term complications, or even death.
Although there are numerous causes of TBIs, the most common are:
- A fall
- A motor vehicle accident
- A sports injury (football, for example)
- Violence
- Combat injuries
- Proximity to a violent blast or explosion
The various symptoms of a TBI
There are various symptoms that can accompany a TBI that include not just physical effects, but psychological and emotional ones as well. Some of these symptoms show up right away and some don’t show up for days or even weeks.
Of the many different TBI symptoms that can surface, some victims may experience several and others very few.
- Loss of consciousness from several minutes to several hours
- Nausea, vomiting and/or dry heaving
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Persistent headache
- Disorientation
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Mood swings
- Agitation, depression and/or anxiety
- Insomnia or inability to awaken from sleep
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Loss of physical coordination
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior
Being proactive with a suspected TBI can save a life
If you suspect that someone may have sustained a TBI, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Get that person to a doctor or emergency room ASAP. It is a fact that quick medical attention for many TBI victims can prevent the injury from worsening.
Group Matrix Blog – November 10, 2017 – by Sharon Bowles
