A bump or blow to the head severe enough to interfere with the cognitive or other functions of the brain, possibly even the temperament or personality of the individual, are signs of a traumatic brain injury. You may have difficulty concentrating, trouble speaking, nausea, and irritability. You will notice symptoms, both neurological and physical, that indicate that something is wrong. Some of these symptoms could be a larger cause for alarm and a sign that you need immediate medical attention.
Information About Neurological Symptoms
Obviously, the most concerning symptoms are likely the neurological ones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some of the common neurological symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries:
- Difficulty thinking clearly: if you or a loved one have trouble gathering your thoughts after a bump or blow to the head, a trip to a medical professional should be your immediate next step.
- Struggling to concentrate: an inability to focus on a task at hand is another symptom of traumatic brain injury.
- An inability to remember new information: a traumatic brain injury often affects your ability to remember new information and commit it to memory.
- Changes in mood: sudden and out of character irritability, anxiety, or depression are symptoms as well.
There are also even more serious signs of traumatic brain injury that indicate that someone should seek medical attention:
- Continued confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- An inability to recognize people or places
- Odd behavior
- Convulsions and seizures
One or more of these symptoms, especially in children, needs to be addressed immediately.
Information About Physical Symptoms
Traumatic brain injuries also present with a variety of physical symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Headaches: the occasional headache is rarely something to worry about, but a sustained headache after you have received a blow to the head is a common symptom of traumatic brain injury.
- Blurry vision: experiencing vision problems after hitting your head is another sign that something, potentially something very serious, is wrong.
- Nausea and vomiting: While it may seem strange, stomach problems are often an indicator of a traumatic brain injury.
- Sleeping problems: this symptom includes sleeping more or less than usual, feeling tired despite sleeping, or the inability to fall asleep.
- A lack of energy: this symptom often goes hand in hand with sleep problems, and feeling exhausted after a bump to the head is common.
There are also physical symptoms of traumatic brain injuries that indicate that someone needs immediate medical attention:
- Headaches that get worse or will not go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Weakness or numbness
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
You or a loved one could receive a traumatic brain injury in many different situations, and in some cases, someone else could be liable for the injury received. Common causes of traumatic brain injury include:
- Construction accidents: Construction sites are fraught with hazards, from potentially falling objects to conditions that create falling incidents.
- Sports injuries: incidents, like falling off a bicycle without a helmet or getting tackled hard in football, will require medical attention and tests to determine if a traumatic brain injury has occurred.
- Auto accidents: car accidents have the potential to cause concussions and more serious brain injuries.
- Slips, trips, and falls: someone who hits their head in a slip and fall or trip and fall needs to be aware of common traumatic brain injury symptoms.
In situations where someone is at fault for causing another’s traumatic brain injury, the injured party may pursue compensation through legal action. There are long-term and short-term ramifications of traumatic brain injuries, affecting memory, language skills, and the likelihood of developing certain medical disorders. As a result, there are potential damages to be recovered.
Pursuing Legal Action for Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on the accident, you or a loved one could choose to pursue legal action for a traumatic brain injury. You may pursue compensation for a construction accident, auto accident, product liability, or premises liability case. A traumatic brain injury often means medical expenses and lost wages, along with the possibility of lost earning potential and impaired quality of life.
Get Help From a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
Now that you understand the signs of a traumatic brain injury, it is time to explore your legal options. A New York personal injury lawyer will do the following:
- Keep you updated on your case
- Identify liable parties
- Communicate with all parties for you
- Gather evidence
- Determine a value for your case
Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. at (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation. Our multilingual staff will answer clients’ questions in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada.