Traumatic brain injuries are commonly suffered in accidents in Colorado. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 64,000 brain-injury-related deaths in the United States in 2020 alone. Knowing when you have a traumatic brain injury can help you seek professional medical care as soon as possible – potentially saving your life. While each case is unique, common signs and symptoms can help you identify a brain injury.
Common Symptoms of Brain Injury After an Accident
Brain injuries can be caused by blunt force trauma to the skull, such as a bump or blow to the head in an accident. Common causes of brain injuries include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, sports impacts, and acts of violence. Brain injuries can develop if the brain is suddenly pushed against the side of the skull or shaken. These rapid movements can cause bruises, bleeding, tears and brain cell damage. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary based on injury severity.
Mild brain injury symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Confusion or disorientation
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Sensory changes
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Minor memory loss
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Personality changes
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
Moderate to severe brain injury symptoms may include:
- Severe or persistent headache
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dilation of the pupils
- Numbness or weakness in the fingers or toes
- Lack of coordination
- Extreme confusion or memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Agitation or restlessness
- Clear or yellowish fluid leaking from the nose or ears
- Seizures or convulsions
- Trouble waking from sleep
- Coma
- Death
A brain injury can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary drastically from person to person. If you notice anything concerning after hitting your head in an accident, go to a hospital for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Getting medical care immediately is imperative in treating a brain injury. A CT scan or other tests may be necessary to diagnose a brain injury.
How Long Does It Take to Notice the Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
The signs of a traumatic brain injury are not always immediately apparent. The brain is a complex organ that can be affected by an injury in unexpected ways. Some brain injuries cause delayed symptoms that may not be noticed by a victim for hours or even days after the accident. Bleeding or swelling in the brain, for example, may not become noticeable until it is severe enough to cause extensive harm.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you suspect a traumatic brain injury after an accident in Colorado, go to a health care center without delay. Every second counts when treating a brain injury. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more damage your brain may sustain. At a certain level of damage, brain cells cannot heal themselves. This can lead to lasting brain damage and long-term effects such as cognitive challenges, trouble communicating and motor function disabilities.
If a doctor diagnoses you with a traumatic brain injury, follow your treatment regime exactly. Treating a brain injury may require surgery, medications, therapies and rehabilitation. When you have reached your point of maximum medical improvement – meaning your doctor does not believe you will recover from your brain injury any further – consult with an experienced Aurora brain injury attorney about a potential lawsuit.
You may be entitled to financial compensation from the person or party that caused your brain injury, such as a negligent driver in a car accident case. A fair settlement or judgment award can help your family pay for necessary brain injury treatments and move forward. To find out if you have grounds for a brain injury claim in Colorado, get legal representation from an Aurora personal injury attorney. Reach out to Manning Law to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
