What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury can result when a victim’s head hits an object, such as a dashboard or window in a car accident, or when an object penetrates a victim’s brain tissue. Traumatic brain injuries can present in many different ways, and it is important to be aware of any signs and symptoms so that proper medical attention can be sought. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligent actions of another person or entity, the Jacksonville brain injury attorneys at The Lawrence Law Group can help you determine the legal steps to take in pursuing justice.

Brain injuries range in severity from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs. TBIs can be either mild, which can affect brain cells only temporarily, or more serious, depending on whether the brain has been bruised, tissues have been torn, or bleeding has occurred. A severe TBI can have long-lasting or permanent effects, and it can even lead to death. Mild or severe traumatic brain injuries can show signs immediately after they occur, or it can take days or even weeks for symptoms to develop.

Some common physical and sensory symptoms that may be observed with a mild traumatic brain injury include:

• Loss of consciousness for either a few seconds or a few minutes
• Even if consciousness is never lost, feelings of confusion or disorientation
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in mood
• Headaches
• Depression or anxiety
• Speech issues
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than normal
• Neck pain

Symptoms of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury can be similar to those of mild TBI, but there may be other symptoms as well. These may include longer periods of unconsciousness, such as several minutes or hours, as well as agitation or combative behavior, consistent nausea or vomiting, seizures, fluid draining from the ears or nose, trouble with speech or forming words, confusion, coordination issues, or numbness or weakness in the fingers or toes.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, or if you have noticed them in a child or another loved one, it is vital to seek immediate medical treatment. People who are most at risk for suffering a traumatic brain injury are children, particularly those under the age of four, as well as young adults between 15 and 24, and individuals over 60 years old. Receiving medical attention as quickly as possible following a brain injury is vital to help prevent long-term consequences. When a victim’s brain swells, certain measures can be taken to alleviate swelling and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent deficiencies, such as personality changes, memory loss, or vision or hearing loss, and they can contribute to the development of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or Alzheimer’s. In addition to being a common injury in motor vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries can result from a violent event, such as when a victim is subject to nursing home abuse or a serious fall. Many times, victims who suffer a traumatic brain injury need financial assistance from those responsible to cover the costs of medical treatment, time missed from work, and changes to their daily life that result.

Whether you have sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of a slip and fall accident, a motorcycle or truck crash, or another incident involving negligence, the Jacksonville lawyers at The Lawrence Law Group can help you explore your legal rights and options. Our firm represents people in Duval, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Baker, Brevard, Union, Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, Jefferson, Volusia, and Alachua Counties. You can contact us online or at (904) 632-0077 to find out more about our services and how we can assist you.