Whether due to a slip and fall, a car accident, or some other type of incident, head injuries can be very dangerous. A head injury is considered to be any kind of injury either to your brain, skull, or scalp. This could mean bruising, lacerations, bumps, or, in some cases, a traumatic brain injury. Some of the symptoms of head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, in particular, can be difficult to notice. Recognizing the symptoms, however, can play an integral role in receiving much needed medical care.
Signs You May Have Sustained a Head Injury
It may be easy enough to see that you have sustained an external head injury. If you have sustained a cut or bruise to the head in any area, then you have clearly sustained a head injury. What is sneakier is noticing whether you have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are very serious and require immediate medical attention. That being said, the symptoms of a TBI can be difficult to notice and can vary greatly in nature and extent. Here, we will discuss some of the more common signs of a TBI in an attempt to help you recognize the symptoms in yourself or others.
The symptoms of a TBI may not present themselves until days or even weeks after the injury has been sustained. If you have sustained a bump or jolt to your head, or someone you know has, monitor that person carefully and look for things such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty waking up after loss of consciousness
- Convulsions or seizures
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of smell or taste
- Uneven pupil dilation
- Drainage of clear fluids from the ears or nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weakness in the arms, leg, or face
- Loss of balance
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Mood swings
- Changes in mood
- Depression or anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Trouble concentrating
Traumatic brain injuries can vary in severity. A mild traumatic brain injury may only temporarily impact brain cells. The most common type of traumatic brain injury is a concussion. While it is the least serious kind of TBI, it is still important to monitor and seek medical care for this kind of injury. More serious TBIs can result in long-term damage or even prove to be fatal. A more serious TBI could include bruising, torn tissues, or other damage to the brain.
Personal Injury Attorneys
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are all too commonly the result of things like being involved in an automobile accident or hitting your head in a slip and fall accident. These injuries are serious and often difficult to recognize. If you have been involved in an accident where you received a bump or jolt to the head, always be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Furthermore, be sure to seek follow-up medical care and make note of any symptoms you may experience. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, talk to the trusted attorneys at SoCal Injury Lawyers. We represent the injured to help take the legal burden off of their plate and pursue full and fair compensation on their behalf. Contact us today.