Understanding the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury: How to Identify and Seek Help in Anaheim

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a type of head injury caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. It can also be caused by an object penetrating the skull and entering the brain tissue. These types of injuries can be severe, leading to significant cognitive, physical, and emotional problems that may last a lifetime. In Anaheim, traumatic brain injuries are common and can happen due to various accidents, such as car accidents, slips and falls, and sports-related injuries. Understanding the symptoms of traumatic brain injury is crucial to receiving the proper medical care and legal assistance needed to manage these injuries.

What are the Most Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a person experiences a blow, jolt, or bump to the head or body. This impact can cause the head and brain to move back and forth rapidly, leading to the brain bouncing or twisting in the skull. These sudden movements can stretch and damage brain cells, resulting in chemical changes in the brain. While concussions are commonly associated with head injuries, they can also occur due to blows to the body that causes sudden head movements.

Contusion

A contusion is a type of brain injury that involves bruising of the brain, leading to swelling and bleeding in the area of the brain that has been impacted. This injury typically occurs as a result of a strike to the head or a sudden acceleration-deceleration force. In some cases, skull fractures or blood clots may also cause contusions.

Apart from trauma, there are other factors that may contribute to the development of a brain contusion. These include high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or the use of medications that can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs as a result of a blunt injury to the brain. The main impact of DAI is on the white matter tracts in the brain. While the severity of DAI can differ from person to person, in extreme cases, it can lead to a state of coma.

Epidural Hematoma

An epidural hematoma occurs when there is a blood buildup between the skull and the outermost protective membrane that covers the brain, called the dura mater. Epidural hematoma can happen as a result of a skull fracture. The symptoms of epidural hematoma can range from severe headaches to loss of consciousness, depending on the severity of the injury. 

Spinal Cord Injury

When the spine experiences severe damage, it is known as a spinal cord injury. This injury can affect the transmission of messages to and from the brain. The severity of the injury determines the extent of its effects. Catastrophic in nature, spinal cord injuries require extensive medical attention.

Closed Head Injuries

Closed head injuries occur when there is trauma to the head that does not result in a skull fracture. Instead, the brain moves rapidly back and forth within the skull, causing bruising and tearing of blood vessels and brain tissue. This type of injury is often caused by a sudden impact, such as a fall or a car accident, and can have serious consequences for the individual involved.

What are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can vary, depending on how severe the injury is and the affected brain area. Symptoms can range from mild to severe; some may not appear until days or weeks after the initial injury. Some of the most common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:

1. Loss of consciousness: The victim may lose consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes after the injury.
2. Headache: Mild to severe headache is a common symptom of traumatic brain injury, ranging from mild to severe.
3. Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting is another common traumatic brain injury symptom.
4. Confusion: The victim may be confused and disoriented after the injury occurs.
5. Memory loss: The victim may have difficulty remembering events before or after the injury.
6. Dizziness or loss of balance: The victim may feel dizzy or unsteady on their feet.
7. Sensitivity to light or sound: The victim may be sensitive to light or sound after the injury.
8. Mood changes: The victim may experience mood swings or changes in personality.
9. Blurred vision: The victim may experience blurred vision or other vision problems.
10. Seizures: Sometimes, the victim may experience seizures after a traumatic brain injury.

How to Seek Help When You or Your Loved One Has a Traumatic Brain Injury

Once these symptoms are present after a head injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Delaying medical treatment can lead to serious complications or even death.

In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, it is important to seek legal assistance from a skilled and experienced Anaheim brain injury lawyer. These injuries can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life, and they may be entitled to compensation for their suffering. An attorney can help determine the cause of the injury, identify all parties responsible, and negotiate with insurance companies to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The legal process for traumatic brain injury cases can be complex and daunting, but an experienced brain injury attorney can help guide victims and their families through each step:

This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting a strong case in court. 

Additionally, an attorney can help ensure the victim receives the medical care they need to manage their injuries and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injuries are a serious matter that requires immediate medical attention and legal assistance. Understanding the symptoms of traumatic brain injury is crucial to receiving the proper care and support needed to manage these injuries. Suppose you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury. In that case, seeking medical attention and legal assistance from an experienced brain injury attorney in Anaheim is important. They can help navigate the legal process, ensure the victim receives the medical care they need, and recover the compensation they deserve for their suffering. To learn more about traumatic brain injury, your rights, and if you want to seek help, call (949) 404-4826 or contact us directly through our website.