Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. TBIs can affect an individual’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The personal injury attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence have vast experience in representing individuals that have suffered TBIs from car accidents, trucking accidents, and other personal injury incidents.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI can be caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head. This can disrupt the normal function of the brain. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild” to “severe”. A mild traumatic brain injury typically does not objectively appear on diagnostic scans such as a CT or MRI scan. A severe traumatic brain injury typically involves an objective bleed or infarction that is visible on a diagnostic scan. All degrees of TBIs can cause a profound impact upon an individual’s ability to resume their daily life.
Physical Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of a TBI often include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vision disturbances and speech interruption or delay. Nausea or vomiting, sleep disruption, and sensitivity to light or sound are also common issues. These symptoms may lead to a decrease in the quality of life and the ability to perform daily tasks. Symptoms from TBIs may not be immediately apparent at the time of the trauma, and they can develop over time. While the symptoms of many TBIs resolve with time, that is not always the case. It is important to seek the guidance of a concussion specialist to assist in the healing process.
Cognitive and Visual Symptoms Caused by Traumatic Brain Injury
Cognitive symptoms involve problems with concentration and memory, often making it challenging to perform at work or school. Victims of TBIs may experience difficulty finding the right words or understanding what others say. Visual symptoms can include blurred vision, double vision, and changes in visual perception. Patients experiencing these types of symptoms are often good candidates to undergo occupational therapy at the recommendation of their overseeing concussion specialist.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional changes following a TBI can be especially distressing. Individuals may find themselves irritable, anxious, or depressed, and may have sudden emotional outbursts. These changes can strain personal relationships and make social interactions more difficult. There are a variety of treatment options for individuals that experience the emotional tolls of a TBI.
Mechanism of Injury and the Importance of Timing of Treatment
Understanding the cause of TBIs is important for both medical and legal reasons. A TBI can occur due to direct trauma to the head, or by violent forces being applied to the body and head. Both direct impacts and indirect forces can result in a TBI.
Loss of consciousness (LOC) at the time of the incident is a significant indicator of the injury’s severity; however loss of consciousness is not required for a TBI to exist. It is therefore critical for individuals to monitor their health closely following any head trauma. It is important to seek the aid of a medical professional as soon as possible if you are experiencing the symptoms of a TBI.
The Legal Perspective
From a legal standpoint, it is important to hire a personal injury lawyer that understanding the nuances of TBIs. For victims of brain injuries, it’s imperative to keep detailed records of all symptoms, medical consultations, and how the injury affects daily life. This documentation can be vital evidence in a personal injury case. Hiring a personal injury lawyer that understands TBI cases can allow you the relief of being able to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Let the lawyers handle the legal issues for you.
If you or a loved one have experienced a TBI from a collision or incident it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney who understands the intricacies of brain injuries. One of the experienced injury attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence can help navigate the legal process for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.