Head Injuries: Warning Signs You Need To Be Alert For

Accidents happen in a variety of situations. Motor vehicle accidents, slips, falls, or other mishaps on someone’s property, and sports or recreational activities are all common causes. In a state of shock, victims have a tendency to downplay their injuries or the symptoms they suffer in the immediate aftermath. Unfortunately, this can impact their health as well as their rights in a claim. Bumps and blows to the head are one of the most common and potentially serious types of personal injuries. It is important to understand the ramifications they can have and the warning signs you need to be alert for. 

Head Injuries and TBI

When even a seemingly minor bump, blow or jolt to the head happens, it can disrupt the neural transmitters in the brain. Contusions, concussions, and skull fractures can all occur as a result and may cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head injuries and TBI are a leading health concern throughout the U.S. and one of the most common causes of disability and death. 

Close to three million people seek emergency medical treatment as a result of head injuries that result in TBI. Among the short and long-term effects, these victims often suffer are the following: 

• Loss of memories;
• Problems with critical thinking and reasoning skills;
• Impaired ability to convey their thoughts to others or understand what is being said;
• Vision disturbances;
• Impaired balance and coordination;
• Emotional issues, including increased depression, anxiety, and irritability. 

Whenever an accident happens that involves any type of bump, blow, or shaking of the head, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Ignoring or downplaying symptoms increases the odds of permanent disabilities. 

Head Injury Warning Signs

Head injuries impact your reasoning and thought processes. As a result, victims may have difficulty adequately assessing their own symptoms. If you are in an accident and a head injury is suspected, it is important to tell someone. They may be able to better assess the symptoms you have. The Mayo Clinic advises that signs to watch out for include: 

• Blurred vision or having one pupil larger than the other;
• Ringing in the ears;
• Sensitivity to light or sound;
• Headaches;
• Difficulty speaking;
• Problems walking or balancing in one place;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Excessive tiredness;
• Extreme anger or feelings of fearfulness;
• Problems sleeping or waking up;
• Loss of consciousness. 

These symptoms may not occur until hours, days, or even weeks after an accident. Left unchecked, head injuries and TBI can result in bleeding within the brain, seizures, or coma. Suffering another blow before you have adequately recovered increases the odds of permanent disabilities or even death.  

Our Vancouver Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here To Help You Recover

When head injuries resulting in TBI happen, the Johnston Law Firm, P.C. acts as a caring, trusted legal advocate on your side. Our goal is to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys online to request a consultation today.