Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can be caused by a forceful bump, slam, blow, or jolt to the head or body. TBIs can cause temporary or short term problems with normal brain function such as loss of consciousness, migraines, and problems with how the affected individual thinks, understands, acts, moves, and communicates. Severe TBIs can lead to severe and/or permanent disability of the individual.
The most common type of a TBI, although mild, is a concussion. A concussion is considered a mild TBI, however, it can take months to heal, wreaking havoc on the affected person's life.
TBIs are common in motor vehicle crashes due to the sheer force that a car is able to produce and transfer on to the human body. Other causes are: falls, sports injuries, blast injury, or being struck by an object. As Louisiana allows for a person to be made whole due to the negligent acts of others, if you think you have sustained a TBI from the negligence of someone else, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas; such as TMA Injury Lawyers.
What are the signs of TBIs?
Physical signs include:
Headache
Convulsions or seizures
Blurred or double vision
Unequal eye pupil size or dilation
Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
Nausea and vomiting
New neurologic deficit, such as slurred speech; weakness of arms, legs, or face; loss of balance
Behavioral signs that a loved one or friend might notice include:
Loss of or change in consciousness anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours
Decreased level of consciousness (e.g., hard to awaken)
Mild to profound confusion or disorientation
Problems remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
Changes in sleep patterns (e.g., sleeping more, difficulty falling or staying asleep); inability to waken from sleep
Frustration, irritability
Sensation/Perception signs include:
Light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance or coordination
Blurred vision
Hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears
Bad taste in the mouth
Sensitivity to light or sound
Mood changes or swings, agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
Feeling anxious or depressed
Fatigue or drowsiness; a lack of energy or motivation
What to do if you believe you have a TBI?
If you have been involved in a traumatic event, it is incredibly important that you seek medical attention immediately. Even if the symptoms you feel at first are a minor headache and soreness, it is better to be on the safe side and ensure everything is okay, rather than let your TBI or other ailment continue to get worse.
If you have been injured by the negligence of another, do not hesitate to contact Matt Terrell or Christopher Melancon at TMA Injury Lawyers TODAY for a FREE case evaluation. If we can help you, WE WILL.