Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common and serious injury that occurs in accidents involving an impact to the head. In many cases, the victim is not aware of the extent of their injuries until it’s too late, and the case is settled. Following a serious accident it is possible that TBI may be overlooked, only to have signs and symptoms surface later. Although fragile bones can mend, a TBI can leave a victim’s life irrevocably changed, permanently damaging their relationships, work, mental capacity, and quality of life.
Here are some signs that may let you know if you are suffering from a traumatic brain injury and steps you can take to protect your rights to compensation.
Signs and symptoms of neurological impairment caused by TBI depend on which structures in the brain are damaged.
Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Blurry or double vision
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Difficulty finding words or understanding the speech of others (aphasia)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of balance; difficulty walking or sitting
- Loss of memory
- Muscle stiffness and/or spasms
- Seizures
- Sleep difficulties (more or less sleep than pre-injury)
- Slurred and/or slowed speech
- Tingling, numbness, pain, or other sensations
- Sense of spinning (vertigo)
- Weakness in one or more limbs, facial muscles, or on an entire side of the body
Although not physically seen, the effects of brain injuries are far reaching. If you were injured in an accident and believe that you may have sustained a brain injury, it’s important to maintain medical records and document the effects of the injury on your daily life. Talk to an injury attorney after an accident, because calculating damages for these types of injuries is tricky. To learn more about your options for pursuing a personal injury claim, contact us at Sisneros Graziani LLP. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Read more on TBI here.