Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Car Accident

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a type of head injury that disrupts normal brain function. Between 1.5 and 2 million Americans suffer from TBI every year, and more than 700,000 of those will experience long-term disability as a result.

TBI can result from any head trauma. Common causes of TBI include motor vehicle accidents and slip and fall accidents that cause severe impact or forceful movement of the head. These injuries can cause loss of consciousness or a change in mental status.

TBI is a serious and complex injury, but it can be difficult to identify. Common symptoms of TBI include

• Headaches, dizziness, and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry or double vision
• Irritability
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sudden mood changes
• Depression
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Slowness in thinking

It can take weeks or even months after a traumatic event before symptoms of TBI appear. Signs can be subtle and are often not recognized by the person who suffered the TBI. Often, family members or friends are the first to recognize the signs and symptoms of TBI. Helping a friend or loved one identify the symptoms of a TBI can be the first step toward recovery.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is the result of two distinct events. The primary injury occurs at the time of impact when the brain moves violently within the skull. This movement causes bruising and bleeding of the brain and can tear the nerve fibers. People who experience a TBI often do not remember the event. They may suffer from confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.

The secondary injury results from delayed trauma and occurs when the brain swells and pushes against the skull. The swelling causes additional injury by reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood that flows to the brain. The secondary injury can be more damaging than the primary injury.

What To Do After a TBI

Brain injuries can have a lasting effect on the person who suffered the traumatic event and their family. Many families need to change their activities and lifestyle due to limitations of the person who experienced the TBI. If the injured person cannot return to work, their family can suffer lost income. And the mood changes and post-concussive syndrome that often follow a TBI can be stressful for the entire household.

If you suffered a TBI, you want your life to return to normal as quickly as possible. When you begin to feel better, it might be tempting to jump back into your daily routine. But this could be a mistake. Rushing back into your daily routine can prolong your recovery. It is best to ease back into daily activities.

If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of TBI, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Your doctor will take a medical history and listen to the signs and symptoms reported by the patient and anyone who accompanies them. Doctors often recommend cognitive tests to evaluate TBI. Sometimes, a doctor will order a brain scan, such as a computerized tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You may even be hospitalized for observation to ensure that symptoms of the brain injury are not getting worse.

Unfortunately, there is no medication available to treat a TBI. Doctors may prescribe pain relievers for headaches, and anti-nausea medication may be helpful in the days after the injury.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm: Compassionate Representation for People Who Suffer from TBI

If you have suffered a traumatic event that resulted in TBI, contact Stephen Lebedevitch, an experienced brain injury lawyer. Stephen knows that brain injuries are scary. He will work to understand what caused your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you suffered a TBI in a traumatic event, you might be entitled to compensation for

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Costs of a caregiver
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medication
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

The Lebedevitch Law Firm has extensive experience handling complex brain injury cases. We have the experience, resources, and expertise necessary to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Learn more about attorney Stephen Lebedevitch and read reviews from other clients, then contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.