A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most devastating and life-changing injuries that a person can sustain. Victims often sustain these injuries in car accidents, slip and falls, or as the result of a criminal act. Many people unfortunately do not recognize the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury until hours or even days after the accident has occurred. That’s why it’s important to learn the symptoms so you can recognize them and get medical treatment right away.
Mild TBIs
Mild TBIs are the least serious and most common type of brain injury. Some of the symptoms that you may experience include:
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness for less than 30 minutes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Inability to pay attention
- Lack of coordination
If you have sustained a mild TBI, the symptoms may not appear right away. In fact, it may be days or even weeks before you start to notice that something is wrong. If you have been diagnosed with a mild TBI, you may start to see some improvement in your condition within the weeks or months following the injury. However, around 15% of people who have sustained a mild TBI continue to experience some of these symptoms for one year or more after the accident.
Moderate or Severe TBIs
Moderate and severe TBIs are much more serious than mild TBIs. Victims with a moderate TBI will lose consciousness anywhere from 20 minutes up to six hours after the injury. Victims with severe TBIs can lose consciousness for hours or days. In fact, some severe TBI victims may never regain consciousness again. Besides loss of consciousness, moderate and severe TBI victims can experience emotional, cognitive, and physical changes as a result of their injuries.
Victims may have trouble paying attention or concentrating on one thing at a time. They may find themselves easily distracted, and may frequently lose track of what they’re talking about. TBI victims often suffer serious memory loss and have trouble controlling their impulses.
Physically, moderate and severe TBI victims may experience chronic pain, changes in appetite, and paralysis. They may be unable to control their bladder or bowels, depending on the location of the injury.
Victims may notice emotional changes after an injury as well. It’s common for moderate or severe TBI victims to become depressed or easily agitated. They may exhibit a lack of motivation and become dependent on those around them. Some victims may struggle making emotional connections with other people, which makes it difficult for them to hold onto relationships they had prior to the injury.
A traumatic brain injury can have serious long-term consequences. If you have sustained a TBI because of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Contact Reisch Law Firm today to discuss your legal options by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
