Traumatic brain injuries affect over a million people in the United States each year. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 155 die as a result of brain injuries.
Brain injuries can have serious, long-term repercussions. It is critical that you understand the signs and symptoms of brain trauma so you can seek immediate medical attention should you or someone you know become injured.
Identifying the symptoms
The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association reported the following signs of mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries:
- Consistent headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood changes, such as depression and anxiety
- Dizziness, fainting and muscle weakness
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, problem-solving and organizing
- Sensory deficits, such as visual and auditory issues
Severe cases of brain injuries involve unconsciousness, tingling in the extremities, seizures, slurred speech, trouble understanding language and speaking. Symptoms of brain trauma differ depending on what area of the brain is injured, as well as the severity of the damage. Various brain imaging tests can help detect where the damage is and what parts of the tissue are affected.
Understanding the cause
Brain injuries can occur when a sudden jolt, like the force from an accident, causes the soft brain tissue to hit into the hard skull bone. This may result in brain bleeding, bruising and inflammation. The symptoms of brain injuries may take hours, days or even weeks to notice; however, the damage may worsen over time if left untreated.
Medical professionals can help to relieve pressure from swelling of the brain tissue, and customize a treatment plan to maximize your recovery. Treatment plans often include a multidisciplinary team, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, medical doctors and speech therapists.
This rehabilitation process can be long and costly. Which is why many Oregonians seek compensation for brain injuries suffered as a result of an accident caused by another person’s negligence.