What Does it Mean to Have a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Posted by jmr on Jul 3, 2018 in Uncategorized | 0 comments
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen at any time, and in a variety of situations. Depending on your lifestyle, you may be more or less likely to be involved in an accident where your head was injured. Those who enjoy high-impact sports or adrenaline fueled hobbies, may be at an additional risk for a TBI. Victims who have suffered such an injury, may have plenty of questions and concerns about what to expect during recovery. A TBI can cause very uncomfortable and even painful symptoms that requires medical attention. If you or a loved one suspect a TBI has occurred, it is recommended that you go to the nearest hospital or call 9-1-1 for help.
Here in this article, we have gone into further detail about what exactly it means to have a traumatic brain injury. Through a question and answer format, we have provided information about what the definition of a TBI is, common symptoms, and when you may want to meet with a legal professional.
What entails a traumatic brain injury?
By definition, a traumatic brain injury is a hefty external blow or impact to the head which can result in functioning impairments. A person who has a TBI may experience behavioral, social, mental, physical and/or emotional difficulties. In many cases, a victim may pass out from the blunt force for only a minute or two, or several hours.
What are the most common symptoms of a TBI?
The type and severity of symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the details surrounding the incident. A TBI can range from a mild condition, to more critical requiring immediate care. Postponing getting medical attention for any kind of brain-related injury can end in tragedy. If you suspect you have endured a TBI, medical care should not wait. Here is a list of the most common signs of a TBI condition:
-
Disorientation
-
Confusion
-
Trouble speaking
-
Difficulty understanding others
-
Speaking too slowly or too quickly
-
Blurry vision
-
Seizures
-
Trouble sleeping or waking up
-
Depression
-
Anxiety
-
Moodiness, irritability
-
Nausea and/or vomiting
-
Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
-
Eye muscle weakness
-
Double vision
-
Feeling “foggy”
What should I do if another person caused my traumatic brain injury?
If the accident which led to your TBI was caused by another person, you may want to consult with a personal injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL trusts right away. Depending on your relationship with the person at-fault, you may or may not want to consider filing a civil lawsuit for injury compensation. The total costs of a traumatic brain injury diagnosis and treatment can be so expensive, that a person may suffer financial distress as a result. An attorney can provide advice and guidance about how to seek restitution. If you do decide to meet with an attorney, you should bring along these documents:
-
Medical bill statements
-
Police report
-
Receipts for out-of-pocket costs
-
Witnesses of incident
-
Doctor evaluations
-
Diagnostic results
-
Estimates for damages/repairs
-
Loss of pay from taking time off work to recover
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their knowledge about brain injuries.