cTraumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most common and devastating causes of hospitalization and death in the United States. The CDC estimates that 1.7 million people are afflicted by a TBI every year, causing 52,000 to die, 275,000 to receive hospital stays and over 1.3 million people to visit the emergency department. Yet, there is an untold number of people who do not seek medical care for their TBI. Many do not even recognize that they have one!
Falls, car accidents and assaults are leading external causes of a TBI, so individuals who have had one of these incidents should check for the following symptoms to make sure that they do not have latent brain injuries. They can also speak with a brain injury lawyer in San Francisco to obtain compensation for their injury if it was the result of someone else’s negligence or reckless actions.
Symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms for mild traumatic brain injuries can be quite varied and appear similar to symptoms for other health problems. Anyone who has one or several of these symptoms should therefore be particularly vigilant, especially if they have had an auto accident, a fall or an incident that could have inflicted a lot of force on their head or neck.
Common mild brain injury symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and a sense of being off balance. Individuals may also have issues with sleep, either finding it hard to fall asleep or a desire to sleep much more than usual.
Some people may experience brief episodes where they suddenly feel dazed, disoriented or confused. They may even lose consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes or lose track of short periods of time throughout their day.
Symptoms of a Moderate or Serious TBI
More severe traumatic brain injuries, including ones that can lead to permanent complications or death, will show much more intense versions of the above symptoms. Persistent or intense headaches are common, as are unusually long or deep periods of sleep, which the victim may have trouble waking up from. Nausea, dizziness, disorientation or an inability to focus on objects or thoughts can also occur.
Physical symptoms of a more severe TBI also include unusual pupil dilation, especially if it only occurs in one eye. You may notice fluids draining from the ears or nose, and the person may experience seizures, convulsions or involuntary movements. They may also have issues with coordinating, speaking or maintaining a solid train of thought. Emotional problems can also arise, such as mood swings, aggression or highly unusual behavior.
Since parents cannot rely on children to describe their symptoms, they should similarly look for changes in behavior or habits.
If you think you may have a traumatic brain injury, see a healthcare professional immediately.
When to Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer in San Francisco
If you have had a car accident or a slip-and-fall accident where you think someone else may be liable (at fault) for the situation that lead to your injury, you can work with a San Francisco TBI attorney to represent your case.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent disability and other damages. Contact Gruber Law Group today to receive a free consultation and advice for taking the next step.
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