A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the result of either a direct impact to the head or an impact to the body causing whiplash to the brain. It is a common injury in car accidents and slip and fall accidents and is sometimes accompanied by a loss of consciousness or period of confusion that lasts for thirty minutes or less. Here is more information on mild traumatic brain injury symptoms.
Symptoms
Mild TBI symptoms are incredibly diverse, but what they usually have in common is a normal brain scan accompanied by irregular neurological symptoms. The severity of the symptoms also vary drastically among victims, but common symptoms include:
- headaches
- fatigue
- speech problems
- sleep disorders
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- ringing in the ears
- nausea
- vomiting
- bad taste in the mouth
- changes in sensitivity to smell, light or sound
- difficulty concentrating
- memory issues
- mood swings
- anxiety
- depression
Long Term Disturbances
Individuals suffering from mild TBI can endure chronic migraines and light sensitivity, sleep disturbances and daytime drowsiness. They may have long-term psychological disturbances including the inability to control their moods and emotions and may suffer anxiety and feelings of depression. Victims commonly have cognitive impairments that impact their daily lives. Their decision-making abilities may suffer, and their processing speed may decline along with their ability to learn new things and retain memories. It is also disturbing that up to 25% of those who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (and even a brain injury classified as “mild”) will still experience symptoms for more than a year following the injury.
Medical Bills and Loss of Income
Because Mild Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms are so pervasive, they often impact every part of a sufferer’s life, including the ability to maintain a job and to earn a living. First, a person with a head injury will require immediate medical attention, which begins the accumulation of medical bills. After the initial treatment, most people with a brain injury will continue receiving medical care (including therapy and medications), which results in additional medical bills. Further, many people who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury will also lose income (both for time missed from work due to medical treatment and symptoms, as well as future lost wages). While recovering from acute symptoms, an injured person may still be unable to work. Unfortunately, even after the initial recovery period, ongoing symptoms (even from “mild” brain damage) may prevent the injured from returning to their former position or career, thus resulting in the loss of future earning potential.
Proving Harm or Damage in a Personal Injury
One of the most insidious features of a mild TBI is that symptoms may not present for days or weeks following an accident, and it can be challenging to link the head trauma back to the accident or fall. However, proving harm and/or damage in a personal injury matter is critical. Therefore, any person who has been injured and has a head injury should always follow up their primary care physician and a neurologist who has expertise in treating concussions.
If you or someone you love has experienced a head trauma that was caused from another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Aaron House has substantial experience representing people who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. Give Aaron House a call today at 816-875-4260 for a free case evaluation.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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