Recognizing Signs Of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may result in long-term injuries and conditions, or death. Mild traumatic brain injuries may have temporary effects on brain cells and brain activity. TBIs typically result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or, even, the body. It is important, if not vital, to vigilantly look for signs of TBIs in anyone who has recently suffered any kind of physical trauma. It is not unusual for someone who, at first, claimed to feel fine and be injury-free after an accident, to later discover injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.    

While a bruised elbow will heal with rest, it is potentially dangerous to believe that a TBI will heal over time without treatment. Because traumatic brain injuries may be serious and have long-term consequences, they require careful, immediate attention. Although anyone can suffer a TBI, a person’s age may make him or her more susceptible to these injuries. Adolescents and senior citizens are typically more vulnerable.

Mild traumatic brain injury may have temporary effects on brain cells. The following are some signs of mild traumatic brain injuries:

• feeling dazed, confused or disoriented
• headaches;
• nausea or vomiting;
• fatigue or drowsiness;
• dizziness or loss of balance;
• irritability;
• feeling emotional;
• difficulty falling asleep; 
• feeling excessively tired;
• problems concentrating.
• memory problems;
• sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell);
• sensitivity to light or sound;
• mood swings or depression

While TBIs can result from a direct blow, such as a punch to the head or collision with a car window, they may also result from objects such as bullets or shattered skull fragments penetrating tissue in the brain. The types of traumatic brain injuries caused by something entering or already inside the brain are typically severe and long-term. Any serious traumatic brain injury may result in physical damage to the brain that includes torn, bleeding, or bruised tissues.

The following are signs are of more serious TBIs:

• coma or loss of consciousness for extended time periods;
• slurred speech;
• chronic headache or a headache that worsens;
• loss of coordination;
• recurrent vomiting or nausea;
• profound confusion;
• convulsions or seizures;
• inability to awaken from sleep;
• dilation of the pupils;
• clear fluids draining from the nose or ears;
• weakness or numbness in fingers and toes;
• agitation, combativeness; and
• any unusual behavior.

In almost any case, any person who exhibits a symptom of a TBI should see a doctor. It may take a few days for symptoms to appear. A car accident victim may suffer a headache a few days after the accident rather than immediately. In this scenario, a person may not even realize that his or her symptoms are related to the accident.

Powell Law’s attorneys have unmatched experience assisting individuals who have suffered damages caused by the negligence of medical professionals. Powell Law has an established 115-year-old reputation throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay unless we win!