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Traumatic Brain Injury Signs And Recovery

Recovering From A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A concussion is more than just a bump to the noggin.  It is actually a specific type of traumatic brain injury, typically caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. These types of injuries can occur anytime the head and brain are forced to move in a quick back-and-forth motion. Because concussions are rarely fatal, they are often written off by doctors as a “mild” brain injury, but research has shown that the effects can be significant and quite devastating.

Symptoms

A concussion can present itself in a number of ways. Sometimes, symptoms show up immediately.  At other times, they are delayed and may present themselves days, weeks, or months after the incident occurred. Some symptoms are subtle, others are quite noticeable. Symptoms vary from case to case, but typically fall into at least one of the following four categories:

  • Thinking & Processing: Symptoms include trouble thinking clearly, lack of concentration, mental “fog”, trouble remembering, and an overall feeling of mental slowness or lethargy.
  • Physical: Physical symptoms include headaches, nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, blurry vision, fatigue or lack of energy, and sensitivity to bright lights or noise.
  • Emotional: These symptoms can manifest as sadness or depression, irritability and moodiness, nervousness and anxiety, or experiencing emotional extremes. In severe cases of traumatic brain injury, there can be changes in personality.
  • Sleep-Related: People who have concussion symptoms may sleep more or less than usual and/or have difficulty falling asleep.

Danger Signs

The vast majority of people who suffer a concussion make a full recovery, but these injuries still require medical attention. Head injuries can cause blood clots to form on the brain, which can lead to a host of other, more serious, problems. Signs that warrant medical attention, include:

  • Numbness, noticeable weakness, or decreased coordination
  • Headache that becomes worse and does not subside
  • Repeated vomiting or prolonged nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Cannot be woken up from sleep or appears very drowsy
  • Cannot recognize people or places
  • One pupil is larger than the other
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Increasingly more confused, restless or irritated
  • Unusual behavior
  • Loss of consciousness

Infants and children may exhibit other signs and behaviors such as an unwillingness to nurse or eat and inconsolable crying.

Recovery

Recovery from a brain injury of any kind takes time. It often depends on the severity of the injury and the person’s age and overall health. Rest and lack of stimulation are the best ways to promote recovery since it allows the brain a chance to heal. Avoiding activities that can cause or aggravate the concussion is another recovery strategy.

Recovery involves more than just physical recovery. There are strong emotions associated with such injuries and there may be financial demands that put added stress on recovery. People who have suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have sustained. This compensation can help a victim recover financially and help reduce the mental stress associated with being off of work and having mounting medical bills.

The personal injury attorneys at Madison’s Eisenberg Law Offices help brain injury victims navigate the legal process to secure compensation that can help them recovery from their injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, contact our firm for a free case evaluation. Call 608-256-8356 or email Info@EisenbergLaw.org.]]>