After suffering a head trauma, the injured party may start to immediately exhibit the symptoms of a TBI. Difficulties with cognitive functions are common. A familiar example is an athlete who is repeatedly unable to answer a simple question. Disorientation, confusion and vacant stares are further evidence that a possible injury has been sustained. Even the effects of a "minor" TBI such as a concussion can be serious if proper treatment is not received in a timely manner. Indications of a much more severe TBI include the inability to awaken the patient, convulsions/seizures and incomprehensibly slurred speech. In the event of such serious symptoms, medical help should be immediately obtained.
However, one of the most dangerous aspects of TBIs is that those suffering from them may show no obvious signs of damage. As the CDC states, "People may look fine even though they're acting or feeling differently." Even sophisticated diagnostic systems like EEGs and imaging equipment like CTs and MRIs may not present positive findings for "mild" TBIs, even though the patient is in fact suffering from them. A recent article in the Journal of Neurotrauma confirmed that "...although current computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have shown great utility in diagnosing various aspects of traumatic brain injury, damage resulting from mild diffuse injury often goes undetected with these procedures."
Although symptoms may immediately be evident, others might not be evident for days or even weeks after the accident. It is important for the injured person, as well as their loved ones, to closely watch for any additional warning signs. Remember, the injury itself can make it difficult for the patient to admit or even recognize that problems are occurring.
Warning signs for adults suffering from head trauma include:
- A general, lingering sensation of feeling not quite right or not feeling like themselves
- Cognitive difficulties like memory or concentration problems and confusion
- Delayed reactions when thinking, speaking or difficulty with simple physical tasks
- Changes in sleeping patterns or general fatigue
- Headaches and neck pain
- Increased sensitivity to stimuli such as lights and sounds
- Difficulty with sensory perception, such as vision and hearing difficulties
- Sexual dysfunction
- Mood changes out of proportion to a situation (depression, uncontrollable crying or violent anger)
On their own, these symptoms could be indicators of many health issues. When experienced by an adult who has recently suffered a head trauma, they can indicate a traumatic brain injury. In some instances (most often occurring with seniors and older adults), these symptoms can get progressively worse, indicating the possibility of a blood clot forming on the brain, which will cause further damage. Numbness, frequent vomiting and worsening headaches are indicators of a more severe TBI. Immediate medical aid should be sought in these instances.
If you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from a traumatic brain injury, please contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
