A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow, or penetrating injury to the head. Whether caused by a fall, assault, car crash, or another type of accident, TBIs can result in wide-ranging physical and mental symptoms. The symptoms that TBI victims experience depend on various factors, including the type of injury, the severity of the injury, and the area of the brain that was injured.
In general, TBI symptoms can be split into three categories:
- Physical symptoms;
- Sensory symptoms; and
- Cognitive, behavioral, or mental symptoms.
Some of these symptoms present immediately, while others appear days or weeks after the injury. If you have suffered a TBI, you should reach out to a local Houston personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
What are the Symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?
About 75% of all traumatic brain injuries are mild. If you have suffered a mild TBI, you may experience the following symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Speech problems
• Dizziness
Sensory Symptoms
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Changes in smell
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
Cognitive, Behavioral, or Mental Symptoms
• Loss of consciousness (from a few seconds to a few minutes)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Depression or anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sleeping more than usual
Generally, symptoms of mild TBIs improve over time. Most people who suffer from mild TBIs will feel better in a few weeks after appropriate medical treatment and rest.
What are the Symptoms of a Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?
A moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can include any of the symptoms of a mild TBI listed above, as well as the following.
Physical Symptoms
• Loss of consciousness (from several minutes to several hours)
• Persistent headache or a headache that worsens over time
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• Paralysis
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
• Inability to awaken from sleep
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Loss of coordination
Cognitive, Behavioral or Mental Symptoms
• Extreme confusion
• Agitation, combativeness, or other uncharacteristic behavior
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty expressing thoughts
Moderate to severe TBIs have long-lasting effects and can impact some victims for the rest of their lives. It is critical never to overlook or underestimate the seriousness of a brain injury symptom.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Suffered a Traumatic Injury in Houston?
A person who has experienced a blow to the head in Houston should seek medical attention, even if symptoms do not immediately appear. Just because symptoms do not present immediately does not necessarily mean that you do not have a TBI. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.
A medical professional will examine you and ask you questions about your symptoms. To reach a diagnosis, they may perform a neurological evaluation, imaging tests, and blood tests. After you are diagnosed with a TBI in Houston, your doctor will offer appropriate treatment. For mild TBIs, treatment may only include rest. For more severe TBIs, you may require surgery, medicines, or rehabilitation therapies.
The medical costs of treating a moderate or severe TBI can be significant. You should keep copies of all medical records and medical bills in the event that you have a legal claim.
Do I Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney?
After receiving medical treatment, you should reach out to a local traumatic brain injury attorney. If your injury occurred at work or was the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. In Houston, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for:
• Past and future medical bills;
• In-home health aides;
• Necessary modifications to the home to account for a continuing disability;
• Psychological counseling;
• Lost wages;
• Lost earning ability;
• Loss of life’s enjoyment; and
• Loss of companionship.
A qualified attorney can analyze your case and inform you of what your case may be worth.
Your Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Houston, call the Paxton Law Firm. We have represented injured persons involved in these types of accidents for nearly twenty years.
Let us review your case and advise you of your rights. The Paxton Law Firm believes in taking the stress of dealing with your legal battles and turning a negative situation into the best possible outcome lady justice allows. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay any legal fees until we recover for you.
