Motor vehicle-related injuries send more than 2.3 million people to emergency rooms every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also reported that motor vehicle crashes were the third overall leading cause of traumatic brain injury-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Traumatic Brain Injury – Definition, Signs, and Symptoms
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetration to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Sadly, while you may be aware that you hit your head, you may not be aware that you have experienced a traumatic brain injury — mild or severe — until it is too late. Here are some signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to help ensure you get the quality care and treatment that you need after an automobile accident:
- Persistent or frequent headaches;
- Sensitivity to light or sound;
- Feelings of disorientation or confusion;
- Lightheadedness or dizziness;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Blurred vision;
- Ringing in the ears;
- Tiredness or sleepiness;
- A bad taste in the mouth;
- Change in mood or behavior;
- Troubles with memory, concentrating, paying attention, or even thinking;
- Small periods of loss of consciousness or blackouts that last a few seconds or minutes
More severe TBIs can produce even more serious symptoms, so watch for any of the following:
- Severe headaches, or a persistent headache that gets worse over time;
- Enlargement or dilation of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes;
- Continued vomiting or nausea;
- Slurred speech;
- Increased confusion;
- Restlessness, irritability, or agitation;
- Tingling or numbness in arms or legs;
- Loss of coordination of large and small motor skills;
- A struggle or inability to wake up from sleep;
- Seizures or convulsions;
- Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hours
If you were in an auto accident and have experienced any of the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury listed above, it is critical that you get evaluated by a medical professional immediately to receive the treatment that you need. Depending on the severity, treatment may include medication, surgery, or rehabilitation, which could last for months or even years to come.
These treatments can prove costly, and you may even experience a loss of income while receiving treatments.
Contact Our Appleton Car Crash Attorneys for Help Getting the Compensation You Deserve
If you are a victim of a car accident, you very well may be entitled to receive compensation for the costs incurred from your traumatic brain injury, as well as any other injuries sustained. Contact the Green Bay car accident lawyers at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., where your health and financial future are a priority. No matter what the circumstance, we fight for the best settlement possible. Call 920-739-7366 and schedule a free consultation today to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html