Did you know that most concussions are diagnosed in noncombat settings? Although few people ever think about traumatic brain injury (TBI) unless someone they know suffers one, it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injuries, as well as the common cause of TBI and how it can impact a person’s mental health. If you have suffered a head injury at work or anywhere else, you need to seek medical treatment. Below, we explain how you can spot the signs of a traumatic brain injury.
TBI Explained
A TBI occurs when a sudden impact causes the brain to collide with the skull. Sometimes the result can be a mild, while other times the impact can cause moderate or severe brain injury. Feeling woozy, confused, seeing spots, or losing consciousness are all indicators of a traumatic brain injury.
A concussion is a mild form of brain injury and is the most common form of TBI experienced by military professionals. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of a concussion are among the hardest types of TBI to recognize.
When a person is concussed or suffers another type of brain injury, it can cause changes in their cognitive abilities, emotions, mobility, speech, and senses. If a TBI is left untreated, it can severely impact a person’s way of thinking and their overall behavior. This is why it is so important to seek help from a medical professional after suffering a head injury.
Common Causes of Concussions & Other Brain Injuries
There are a number of different scenarios in which a person can end up suffering traumatic brain injury, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Sports and other physical activities
- Physical assault
- Impact with or from a blunt object
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Concussions & Brain Injury?
TBI symptoms that are observable can be subtle and might not immediately appear. TBI symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer. Avoid vigorous physical activity if you have sustained any type of brain injury until your doctor tells you it is okay to do so.
Common symptoms after a TBI include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred eyesight
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Delayed response to questions
Signs and symptoms that might not appear for hours or days, include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and other types of personality changes
- Troubling sleeping
- Continued or persistent memory loss
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Loss of taste and smell
- Mood swings, stress, anxiety, or depression
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and the degree to which they are experienced can greatly vary.
TBI & Your Mental Health
A traumatic brain injury can sometimes cause a person to develop changes in their mood and behavior. Depending on what part of the brain was injured, a person can have extreme difficulty managing their own behavior.
The following are common mood and behavior symptoms associated with TBI:
- Impulsive behavior
- Negative attitude
- Egocentricity
- Verbal outbursts
- Poor judgment
- Apathy
- Physical outbursts
- Depression or anxiety
- Lack of motivation or initiative
- Lack of empathy
- Intolerance
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Depending on the circumstances of your traumatic brain injury, you might be entitled to financial compensation. With more than 35 years of legal experience, we have the skills and resources you need to pursue the justice you deserve. Let our Hartford injury attorney’s fight for you.
Call (888) 486-3037 to schedule your appointment today.