Head and brain injuries can be among the most traumatic of injuries suffered after a car crash or other accident. It can take quite a while to recover from one, and serious brain injuries may leave someone unable to perform tasks that were previously easy for the person to do. How do you, though, recognize a serious brain injury?
Concussion
Concussions are generally the result of a blow to the head. This might happen in a car accident, in a sporting event, or even as the result of a fall. The effects of a concussion are usually temporary, but that does not mean that the symptoms should be ignored.
Symptoms
Not everyone who has a concussion is going to experience the same symptoms. One symptom of a concussion is the loss of consciousness. The person may also experience a headache, dizziness, or blurred vision. Slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, balance issues, memory loss, and confusion are other indicators that the person may have a concussion. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany a concussion. The person may experience ringing in the ears or sensitivity to light or noise. In some cases, the person may also have difficulty sleeping.
The person may even experience changes in personality. This may include being more irritable or depressed. In young children, excessive crying or loss of interest in their favorite toys may be signs that the child has suffered a concussion.
Treatment
In some cases, the symptoms may take a few days to even manifest themselves, and they may be minimal, leading to the person brushing them off. Do not do that. Even if you have only minor symptoms or if they come a few days after your accident, it is important to visit a doctor to determine the extent of your injuries.
There are three grades of concussions. With a grade 1 concussion, the symptoms only last for about 15 minutes, and there is no loss of consciousness. With a grade 2 concussion, the symptoms last longer than 15 minutes, but there is still was no loss of consciousness. A grade 3 concussion includes a loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness, even for just a moment, should be taken seriously.
In general, rest is the best treatment for a concussion. Athletes should not return to play until all their symptoms have cleared up. Even then, the person should be monitored for a time. If you return to play too soon, you increase your chances of suffering a second concussion, which will make the symptoms worse. Repeated concussions could lead to permanent brain damage.
With a grade 3 concussion, the doctor may want the person to stay overnight for observation. Even with a minor concussion, the doctor will likely suggest close monitoring of the person with a concussion for at least the first 24 hours. If symptoms appear or get worse, it is important to visit a doctor right away.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A concussion is technically a mild TBI. A more serious TBI could result in permanent brain damage, a coma, a vegetative state, or even death.
Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of a serious TBI are the same as those of a concussion or less-serious TBI. Along with these symptoms, the person may experience prolonged loss of consciousness or inability to awake. Dilation of the pupils or clear liquid coming from the nose or ears may also indicate a serious TBI. The person may also experience numbness in fingers or toes or extreme confusion.
Treatment
A doctor can help you determine the severity of the TBI. The doctor may need to perform a CT scan or MRI. The doctor may also test the person’s reflexes and ask a few questions to determine the injured person’s cognitive state.
A concussion can generally heal with rest, but a more serious TBI may require more extensive treatment. This may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The person’s doctor may also determine that the person could benefit from counseling or attending a support group to deal with the physical and mental changes the person may experience after suffering a TBI. In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe medication to deal with sleep problems, pain, or depression.
Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard to determine the extent of a head or brain injury. To ensure your own safety, it is best to visit a healthcare professional right away after you have suffered a serious blow to the head.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
For most parents, their baby’s health is a top priority. Yet, many parents have to leave their baby with a family member, babysitter, or other caregiver for at least a few hours at a time. Most of these people will take good care of your child and handle the baby’s crying in an appropriate manner. Unfortunately, when some people get frustrated with babies, especially when the child is crying excessively, the person may shake the child, causing Shaken Baby Syndrome. If your baby or toddler is acting strange, even if the child has been in the care of a trusted individual, you might be concerned that the baby has Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome include fussiness or irritability, breathing problems, and pale or bluish skin. The baby may also start vomiting or refuse to eat. In some cases, the baby may have seizures, have difficulty staying awake, or experience paralysis. A baby who has fallen into a coma may have Shaken Baby Syndrome and needs medical attention right away.
While some babies who have Shaken Baby Syndrome will show other symptoms of physical abuse, such as bruises, bleeding, or broken bones, sometimes you will not see physical symptoms of the injury. Do not assume that it can’t be Shaken Baby Syndrome simply because there is no physical evidence of an injury.
Treatment
Getting help for your baby as soon as possible is important. According to information from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, roughly one in four babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome does not survive. Other complications may include partial or total blindness, seizure disorders, or cerebral palsy. The baby may also later experience developmental delays, including intellectual disabilities.
If you suspect your baby has Shaken Baby Syndrome, call 911 right away. While you are waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, perform CPR if the baby has stopped breathing. Once your baby has arrived at the emergency room, the doctor may need to perform an MRI, CT scan, x-rays, or other tests to determine the extent of the injury. Surgery to the brain, spinal cord, or other body parts may be required to prevent further damage or even death.
If you or a family has suffered a brain injury caused by someone else’s actions, contact us. At Swor & Gatto, we are dedicated to helping you. Part of our commitment to helping you includes a free consultation and our promise that there will not be a fee unless we win your case.