A brain injury can be a life-changing event, often leaving the victim permanently disabled. Brain injury victims may have decreased cognitive functioning, memory loss, and even personality changes which affect their ability to remain employed or to maintain personal relationships. It’s important to recognize the signs of a brain injury so that it can be treated as soon as possible.
Brain injuries are usually caused by trauma to the brain from a blow to the head, violent shaking or jarring, or penetration by a foreign object. A concussion is one common type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jarred inside the skull. It’s a frequent consequence of car accidents or contact sports. Other injuries to the brain may be caused by events like asphyxiation or near drowning, which deprive the brain of oxygen and cause brain damage.
Mild brain injuries usually occur when the victim does not lose consciousness for more than 30 minutes. (Some brain injury victims never lose consciousness at all.) Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with speech and communication, a decrease in motor coordination, nausea, loss of smell, changes in taste, depression, excessive sleep, and personality changes. A person may have any of these symptoms, and the symptoms may last up to a year. However, a person with a mild brain injury is likely to make a full recovery eventually.
Moderate to severe brain injuries are more likely to occur when the victim is unconscious for an hour or more. Some of the symptoms include clear fluid that drains from the ears and nose, dilated pupils, confusion, difficulty in thinking or expressing thoughts, depression, a tendency to argue or fight, and ongoing nausea and vomiting. The most severe brain injuries may leave the victim unable to move or communicate at all.
It’s important to be aware that symptoms may not show up immediately; some may occur several days after the accident. Therefore, it’s essential to see a doctor after any head injury to rule out trauma to the brain. According to a Brain Injury Lawyer, if you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, it will be helpful to have documentation of any diagnosis and treatment plan you receive along with a journal of symptoms. For more advice regarding a personal injury lawsuit following a brain injury, consult with a Brain Injury Lawyer at website name You can also follow them on Twitter.
