The brain is arguably the most important organ in the body and is responsible for a number of functions, including thought, learning, memory, and controlling sensory information, among others. Damage to the brain can result in difficulty with speech, behavioral problems, and even difficulty controlling the limbs.
Anyone can sustain a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, from a car crash or a fall at home. It’s important for people in such situations to consult traumatic brain injury lawyers to assist them in filing a personal injury claim.
Common Signs of TBI
If you suspect that someone you know has TBI, these are the signs of trauma to look out for:
Headaches
The most common indication of trauma to the head is persistent headaches. If the headaches don’t go away after a couple of days or are very painful, it is best to seek medical help. Sometimes, headaches may not occur immediately after an accident and may occur a few days or weeks later. These headaches can range from mild to severe and may be constant or come and go in waves.
In more severe cases, headaches can even affect daily activities, making it difficult for the victim to concentrate or work. Some individuals may experience chronic headaches that persist for months or longer, requiring ongoing treatment to manage the pain. If headaches worsen or new symptoms such as nausea or dizziness develop, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, as they may signal further brain damage or complications.
Sensory Difficulties
The brain is the processing center for all sensory information, including images, sound, smell, and touch. If it sustains any damage, it could result in difficulty in processing such information. Victims could have difficulty seeing clearly, have a constant ringing in their ears, or experience numbness.
Victims may also have difficulty identifying smells. Some people may even become sensitive to light. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of TBI, and they should get checked up immediately.
Behavioral Change
Another sign that someone could have experienced a traumatic brain injury is behavioral change. If the person is extremely irritable or has frequent mood swings, it could be a sign of TBI. Acting out of character or behaving impulsively could also be a sign of brain trauma.
This happens because the brain is the seat of hormonal regulation, and any damage to it can result in erratic moods. It may be hard for victims to associate with people, and even holding a simple conversation can be challenging.
Cognitive Difficulties
Victims of traumatic brain injuries are also known to face cognitive impairment, like trouble recollecting basic information, making simple calculations, or having difficulty processing information. In more severe cases, they could have difficulty recognizing faces or recollecting details of the accident.
If someone who’s had an accident seems uncharacteristically forgetful or has difficulty processing simple information, it could be a sign of traumatic injury. They should get checked up at a hospital immediately. Such symptoms appear because the brain is responsible for processing information and making simple decisions, and any damage to the brain could impair these functions.
Conclusion
Traumatic brain injuries come with a host of symptoms that may at first seem benign. It is important for anyone who’s been in an accident to get a full checkup, especially because these injuries are difficult to detect immediately.
Legal assistance is also crucial in such cases, as TBIs can be expensive to treat and may result in life-long symptoms. A personal injury claim can compensate victims for the costs they have to incur to treat their injuries and the loss of wages.
