Traumatic brain injury, also referred to by physicians as an intracranial injury, can happen any time external force injures the brain. This is especially true for automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries, and other trauma to the head. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition and is the leading cause of death and disability throughout the U.S.
It is estimated that 50,000 people die each year and 230,000 are hospitalized from TBI. Also, over 80,000 individuals will experience long-term disability because of his or her brain injury.
These numbers are extreme because most TBIs are not diagnosed until it is too late.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
In most cases, a person will suffer from TBI after receiving a violent blow to the head. This can either be from a blunt object or a puncture of the skull. The external force against the skull will cause a diminished capacity and can severely affect a person’s ability to function. Sometimes TBIs occur when an individual hits his or her head on the floor following a slip and fall accident, while other times it can occur from an individual hitting the steering wheel when his or her airbag failed to deploy.
But, when an individual has a TBI, they may not be aware of it. Most people assume that a severe brain injury would cause bleeding or other seeable physical damage; however in most TBI cases, the injuries can slowly degenerate a person’s health.
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The Symptoms of TBI
TBI has the potential to be fatal. It can also manifest physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms – but in some cases, patients do not exhibit any symptoms.
Some of the symptoms a person may experience with TBIs include:
● Seizures
● Short-term or long-term memory loss
● Special disorientation
● Mood swings that are unexplained or uncontrolled
● Balance issues
● Severe fatigue
● Vomiting or nausea
● Loss of taste or smell
● Increased depression or anxiety
● Agitation
● Difficulty seeing
● Inability to organize or multi-task
The Importance of a Thorough Examination Following an Accident
Any time you have a head injury, whether it is hitting your head on an object or an object coming into contact with your skull, it is imperative you seek medical attention right away. A thorough examination may be able to identify the early signs of a TBI. If you notice any of the symptoms appearing a few days after your accident, contact your doctor right away for a secondary evaluation.
Are You or a Loved One Suffering from TBI?
If you or someone you love is suffering from a TBI, call 561-687-5660 to consult the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. right away. We have years of experience representing individuals who are suffering from TBI and are unable to get proper settlement from the negligent party or his or her insurer.