Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI is a type of damage to the brain due to an external force. It can happen in many different ways, including car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and gunshot wounds. The severity depends on the injury and how it affects your brain functions. For example, someone with a mild TBI may have trouble thinking clearly for a few hours or days after their accident while someone who has a severe TBI may never be able to think normally again. A person with moderate head trauma will usually recover within weeks but some people do not fully recover from their injury ever. If you are experiencing symptoms of traumatic brain injury there are important steps you should take right away. In this article we will discuss TBI, the symptoms to look out for, and what legal actions you need to take if you or a loved one have suffered from a TBI.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force such as a car accident or fall causes damage to the brain. The severity of the injury can range from mild, where the victim may only experience temporary confusion or headaches, to severe, where the victim may never regain consciousness. In between these two extremes are moderate injuries which usually result in long-term problems but from which the victim will eventually recover. When it comes to therapies for traumatic brain injury there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and, depending on the severity of the case, there may be a range of treatments available including medication, surgery, and/or therapy. This is always influenced by many factors happening during the accident and after, so it is essential to seek professional help to figure out the best course of action.
A TBI can be classified as open or closed. An open head injury occurs when the skull is fractured and the dura mater, the tough outer membrane of the brain, is breached. A closed head injury occurs when there is a blow to the head but the skull and dura mater remain intact. A TBI can also be classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the severity of the initial injury and the resulting symptoms.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and can last for a few days, weeks, months, or even years. They can be divided into four categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep. Many of these overlap and some people may experience all of them while others only have a few. It is important to remember that every brain injury is unique and the symptoms will vary from person to person depending on the severity of the injury.
Physical symptoms
These are the most immediately obvious after an accident and can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Cognitive symptoms
These can include difficulties with memory, concentration, attention, language, and thinking. For example, you may find it hard to follow a conversation or remember what you did yesterday. You may also have trouble making decisions or solving problems.
Emotional symptoms
After a brain injury, it is common to experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and/or emotional outbursts. You may also find it hard to control your emotions or properly express them.
Sleep disorders
It is common to experience sleep disturbances after a brain injury including insomnia, hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), and/or disturbed circadian rhythms (e.g., feeling sleepy during the day and wide awake at night).
Symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI may include all of the above plus coma, seizures, paralysis, and death.
Legal Activities After a TBI
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a condition that occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by sudden trauma. This can include a blow to the head, a fall, or a car accident. Although any type of head injury can lead to TBI, most cases occur as a result of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. TBI can range from mild to severe and can cause a wide range of symptoms we previously covered.
If you or a loved one have suffered from a TBI it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. There are many things to consider including filing for disability, getting compensation for lost wages and medical expenses, and making sure your rights are protected. An experienced brain injury lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
- Filing for disability: If your TBI has left you with long-term physical or cognitive impairments then you may be eligible for disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial support which can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
- Getting compensation: If your TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
TBI can leave you feeling confused and vulnerable, making you easy prey for scam artists and fraudsters. It is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your rights and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.