What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are injuries that occur as a result of a violent blow or jerk on the head or body. Mild TBIs can temporarily affect your brain cells, while more severe TBIs can cause physical damage to the brain itself, which can lead to long-term complications and sometimes death.
TBIs are more common than expected in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 290,000 hospital stays across the country were due to traumatic brain injuries in 2014 alone. The CDC also reported a similar astounding number, with over 56,000 deaths from traumatic brain injury reported that same year.
Know the signs of a TBI
It is extremely important that a traumatic brain injury is identified and treated in a timely manner. You should know the signs of a traumatic brain injury so that in the event of an accident you can get the immediate medical care you need. Common signs of TBI include:
- nausea
- dizziness
- a headache
- unconsciousness
- Changes in personality or mood
- sleep disorders
- Slurred speech
- General feeling of confusion or disorientation
- Sensitivity to light or sound
If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms of TBI after a head trauma, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a trained doctor can accurately assess and treat your condition.
The causes of traumatic brain injuries
There are several ways that traumatic brain injuries can occur. It is best to know these methods so that you can look out for symptoms if head trauma has occurred in these events. Some common causes of TBIs include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Falling accidents
- Blunt force trauma
- Violent clashes or fights
- Boating accidents
- Accidents caused by recreational activities
These are just some of the most common causes, but any type of accident or damage to your head can cause TBI. Remember, if you or a loved one experiences symptoms of TBI after an accident, see a doctor right away. Responding in a timely manner can improve your prognosis and minimize the impact of the injury on your life.
After the accident
After an accident with a third party, it can be difficult to decide whether or not to take legal action. Some victims who have shown signs of TBI can receive compensation for their losses. This can include reimbursement of medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, legal fees, and much more. If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident and want to explore your legal options, call Greathouse Trial Lawtoday to schedule your free case exam.
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