A traumatic brain injury(TBI) can affect a person’s career, relationships and quality of life. According to Mayo Clinic, a TBI can be classified as “mild,” “moderate” or “severe.” However, even a mild TBI is a serious matter.
Read on to learn the symptoms of mild, moderate and severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild TBIs may cause immediate symptoms, but some take days or even weeks to manifest. Common symptoms of mild TBIs include:
- Confusion, disorientation or dazedness
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headaches
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Insomnia
- Abnormal sleeping patterns
- Unsteady balance or dizziness
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Sensory issues, such as tinnitus, blurry vision, loss of smell or a lingering, horrible taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritability
- Concentration or memory problems
Moderate to Severe TBIs
A fast diagnosis is often the key to recovering from a mild to severe TBI. Common symptoms include:
- Unconsciousness for several minutes or hours
- Worsening, persistent headaches
- Repetitive nausea or vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Pupil dilation in one or both eyes
- Clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose
- Loss of coordination
- Numbness or weakness in the toes or fingers
- Inability to wake from sleep
- Aggression, agitation or other unusual behavior
- Extreme confusion
- Consciousness disorders such as coma
- Slurred speech
Symptoms of TBIs in Children
Infants and young children cannot communicate their symptoms, so traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose. The following signs may indicate a TBI in a young child or infant:
- Changes in nursing or eating patterns
- Inconsolable and persistent crying
- Easy or unusual irritability
- Sleep changes
- Inability to focus or pay attention
- Lack of interest in favorite activities or toys
- And depression or mood unpredictability
When should you visit a doctor?
You should always seek medical attention after a car accident or severe blow to the head. Many people forego treatment, hoping that the problem will cure itself. This, however, is usually a mistake. A fast diagnosis may improve the outcome of your treatment. Also, if your injury was the result of another person’s negligence, then he or she may be liable for your health-care expenses. However, if you put off a medical evaluation, it may be difficult to tie your condition to the accident.
If you were injured due to a reckless or negligent driver in Northern California, contact the Law Offices of Zappettini and Bradley. Our experienced team of attorneys will guide you through the claims process. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation about your individual claim.
