Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s) are often the least visible, but deadliest of injuries. This type of injury is most commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents and result from the high velocity impact of the crash. Even milder TBI’s, like concussions, can have major consequences when suffered repeatedly. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including: auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability accidents and construction accidents. TBI’s can affect anyone at any age and can have serious and lifelong effects. Victims of brain injuries often suffer the loss of muscle use, speech, vision, hearing or the ability to taste. The most commonly damaged part of the brain is the frontal lobe, which controls personality. Frontal lobe damage is often seen in victims of car accidents when their head smashes into the windshield, steering wheel, airbag or the top of the vehicle.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A TBI occurs from a sudden and violent blow to the head or body. A TBI can result from an object breaking through the brain tissue, such as a piece of glass or a bullet. However, a TBI can also result from a jolt to the head from a collision when a person’s head snaps back and forth after being hit in a car accident. A TBI can be extremely serious, if not deadly, and it is important that the symptoms of a TBI be recognized quickly so that the injured individual receives prompt medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms of a TBI?
The symptoms for a TBI can vary, depending on how serious the blow was to the brain. The effects can be physical, as well as psychological. Some of these symptoms may manifest immediately, but many may not appear until days or weeks after the accident occurred.
The signs and symptoms of a mild TBI may include:
- Temporary loss of consciousness;
- A feeling of being dazed, disoriented or confused;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Headache;
- Feeling drowsy or fatigued;
- Struggling with speech;
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively;
- Loss of balance;
- Suffering from sensory issues, including blurred vision, hearing ringing in the ears, having a bad taste in the mouth or recognizing changes in the ability to smell;
- Suffering from a sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights;
- Trouble remembering or concentrating;
- Sudden mood swings;
- Feeling anxious or depressed.
A mild TBI does not necessarily mean the sufferer will feel all of these symptoms. If he or she recognizes a handful of them or feels “off” in any way, it is recommended that the victim seek medical attention.
Moderate to Severe TBI:
The signs of a moderate to severe TBI can include several of the following physical, sensory or psychological symptoms, which can last for the first few hours after the accident to days or longer after the traumatic injury occurs:
- Temporary loss of consciousness for a few minutes to hours;
- A continuing and persistent headache or a headache that progressively worsens;
- Repeated vomiting or feeling nauseated;
- Seizures or convulsions;
- Pupils being dilated;
- Clear fluids draining from the victim’s ears or nose;
- Not being able to wake up from deep sleep;
- Feeling week or numb in the fingers or toes;
- Loss of coordination;
- Feeling confused, agitated, combative; or angry;
- Slurring speech;
- Coma or other consciousness disorders.
These symptoms are quite severe and should be taken very seriously as soon as they are experienced. The results could be permanent or even deadly if medical attention is not sought immediately.
TBIs and Children
Complications arise when it comes to children suffering from a TBI. Young children and infants are not able to communicate as well as adults. If a young child has a headache or any of the other symptoms associated with a TBI, he or she may cry or complain about not feeling well. Following an accident, if a child is involved, it is important that the caregiver closely watch the child to see if any unusual behavior is exhibited or if the following symptoms are noticed:
- Changes in the child’s nursing or eating habits;
- If the child is easily agitated or irritated;
- Inability of the child to be consoled when crying or upset;
- Noticeable inability of the child to focus or pay attention;
- Change in the child’s sleeping habits or patterns;
- Seizures;
- Sad or depressed mood;
- Drowsiness or excessive sleeping;
- Sudden loss of interest by the child in his or her favorite toys or activities.
Most doctors would prefer a child be brought in for a symptom that does not end up being anything than have a serious symptom be ignored. Parents know their child best, and if the infant or young child is noticeably acting different than he or she did prior to the accident, it is always recommended that the parent not take any chances. Have a doctor examine the child and never ignore a symptom that could be a sign of a TBI.
As is the case with any type of injury, for a child or an adult, it is recommended that the individual seek emergency medical care if any symptoms of a TBI manifest after a serious blow or traumatic head injury occurs.
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A MIAMI AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, it is very important to consult with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney immediately. Florida auto accident victims have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident, so it is important you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.
Related Resource on Traumatic Brain Injuries:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
