Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries after an Accident

At 612-INJURED, our personal injury attorneys do more than assertively represent clients who have been seriously hurt in accidents throughout Minnesota. We provide the guidance and resources our residents need to understand the full extent of their injuries, so they can make informed decisions about the direction of their cases. This way, they can begin planning their futures with confidence.  

All injury victims deserve to know what their medical future holds, so they can create a supportive treatment plan that helps direct their focus to their overall wellness, instead of the stress of the accident. That is increasingly important when our residents suffer from traumatic brain injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or catastrophic brain injuries are the result of a jolt to the head, which can occur during a traffic accident, due to dangerous conditions, or intentionally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one person suffers a TBI every 23 seconds in the United States, leading to nearly 300,000 hospitalizations, over 90,000 long-term disabilities, and approximately 50,000 deaths each year.

The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of head injuries — including traumatic brain injuries — may not be apparent immediately, which can lead to foregoing medical care that would identify the injury early. When this happens, the damage can worsen quickly and may become permanent, which is why it is important to identify TBI symptoms early.

What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

If you have been involved in an accident, it is not uncommon for the adrenaline to take over and mask signs of injury, which can make it difficult to identify any physical harm, including severe and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries affect everyone differently and may result in physical, emotional and behavioral, or cognitive difficulties, or any combination of the following challenges.

Common signs and symptoms of physical TBI may include:

  • Feelings of being dazed, confused, or disoriented
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
  • Headaches
  • Problems with speech
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Seizures
  • Loss or changes in smell or taste
  • Skull fractures

Common signs and symptoms of emotional and behavioral TBI may include:

  • Lack of motivation or initiative
  • Poor judgment
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Lack of empathy
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Mood changes or mood swings
  • Physical outbursts
  • Negativity
  • Risky behavior
  • Rigidity and inflexibility
  • Verbal outbursts

Common signs and symptoms of cognitive TBI may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Trouble processing information
  • Complications with understanding others
  • Impaired decision-making ability
  • Difficulty in expressing thoughts
  • Shortened attention span

Traumatic brain injuries are often immediately recognized after a blow to the head that leaves the injured person unconscious. Other TBIs may take hours, days, or even weeks to reveal the extent of the damage, which can lead to serious medical requirements going forward.

If you have suffered a jolt to the head, even if you did not lose consciousness, seek medical care right away to ensure any damage to the brain is recognized immediately after your accident to help avoid potentially life-changing delays in treatment.

Serious Injuries Require Serious Legal Representation: Contact 612-INJURED for a Free Consultation Today

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may have a long road to recovery ahead, which will require a long-term financial commitment. If your injuries were caused by a negligent party, you should not have to pay for your injury expenses out of pocket.

Call or text our skilled personal injury attorneys at 612-INJURED today by calling (612) 465-8733 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your traumatic brain injury and learn more about how we can help you pursue the financial compensation you need to get the treatment you deserve.