Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are one of the most challenging physical conditions victims will encounter and a major cause for injury and death here in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56,860 people died in accidents involving brain trauma in the average year, which breaks down to an average of 155 people per day in the U.S.
How these injuries occur
The brain is suspended inside the skull cavity surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. When there is blunt force or whiplash, the impact can cause the brain to reverberate inside the cavity, putting the brain’s soft tissue in contact with the inner skull bone. This can lead to brain bleeding, bruising and inflammation. Left untreated, the brain will expand and put pressure on the skull cavity, which causes further damage.
Watch for these symptoms
The symptoms for TBI are varied, but according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, mild cases include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Dizziness and confusion
- Muscle weakness and tingling in the extremities
- Broad mood changes, changes in behavior or sleep patterns
More severe cases will also include more extreme symptoms like convulsions, seizures, slurred speech, agitation, loss of coordination or sensory deficiencies. The person may even become unconscious.
What to do
It is essential to get trained medical treatment as soon as possible to help eliminate or reduce the above symptoms. Often the injured are victims of negligence by a reckless driver, unsafe work conditions or a slip and fall. If this is the case, it is wise to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
