Each year, nearly 1.5 million Americans sustain some type of brain-related injury. From mild to severe, brain injuries can completely change a person’s life. In most cases, brain injuries can be difficult to detect when the injury was caused by a mild event or trauma. However, these injuries are still substantial and should be treated. This article will discuss the main types of brain injuries and what to do if you believe that you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury relating to an accident.
Brain Injury – What is It?
Brain injuries are caused by a shake, bump, blow, or penetration to the head. As mentioned above, brain injuries can range from mild to severe. Also, brain injury symptoms can be very subtle and nearly impossible to detect. The most common causes of brain injuries, include:
Slip and fall accidents
Car accidents
Contact sports (football, hockey)
Non-contact sports (bicycling)
Work-related injuries
Acts of aggression, assault, abuse, or violence
Closed-head injuries – These types of injuries are often difficult to detect because there are no outside physical indicators that an injury has occurred – for instance, blood would be present in an open-head injury sustained in an automobile accident where an individual’s head comes in blunt contact with a windshield. A closed-head injury example could be whiplash. The violent, abrupt jerk of the head can cause brain injuries, but there are no physical indicators present, such as blood.
Concussion – This type of brain injury results from the violent shaking of the brain. Concussions usually occur when there is a blow or jolt to the head from strong contact, such as a football-related injury. As many as 30% of football players suffer from a concussion each year.
Acquired brain injury – This type of brain injury does not result from an outside trauma to the head, but instead are sustained when brain cells are deprived of oxygen. Examples might be a painter inhaling toxic fumes or an individual involved in a near-drowning incident where the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen, leading to an acquired brain injury.
Most Common Symptoms of Brain Injury
While symptoms of brain injuries will vary depending on the severity of the trauma, the list below outlines the most common symptoms of brain injuries:
Dizziness
Inability to concentrate
Fatigue
Persistent headaches
Memory loss
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in cognitive function (trouble thinking, speaking, or reading)
Blurred vision
Nausea
Loss of balance
It is important to note that a loss of consciousness can happen with brain injuries, but brain injuries can occur without loss of consciousness. Also, brain injury symptoms are often delayed, therefore it is important to get checked by a physician immediately after a physically traumatic experience like a car accident. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you still may have sustained a brain injury. Therefore, it is essential to be checked by a doctor.
Speak to an Attorney
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can organize your case and get you the compensation that you deserve. The attorneys at Ingerman & Horwitz specialize in personal injury cases and know how to construct your case and stand up for you in court.
