Brain injury can encompass a variety of symptoms: from simple memory loss to the more serious personality changes, like Phineas Gauge’s injury. It could even include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It can be caused by a concussion or even an object penetrating the skull. Due to how varied the treatment can be, some people have to have rehabilitation in dedicated facilities, and that can rack the price up quite high.
When a loved one, or yourself, suffers an injury to the brain caused by someone else’s failure to be careful, financial compensation for medical costs, pain and/or suffering could be available with the help of a specialized brain injury lawyer. A brain injury lawyer can help you figure out what kind of compensation you’re eligible for, and how much you’re eligible for.
Symptoms of an Injury
Any time the head is hit or given a major jolt, there is the risk of injury. A diagnosis can be difficult. However, common symptoms can include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, headaches, loss of consciousness, confusion, and vomiting. Immediate help from a doctor should be sought if any of these symptoms occur.
Imaging tests, the Glasgow Coma Scale Test, and observing or asking questions after the symptoms have started are all methods a doctor will use to give a proper diagnosis. The treatments will depend upon how severe the injury is, and can range from a simple, over-the-counter drug to surgery or anti-seizure pills. Other therapies are often needed in addition to medications – such as speech or physical therapies – so that the injured person can return to pre-injury function.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries to the brain occur from bruising, tearing, and/or swelling. In some cases, a combination of the three is happening to result in the injury. The brain impacting the skull on the sides or the front makes bruising or concussions. Tearing may result in serious impairment if it harms the nervous system. An area that begins to swell is actually a side effect of many injuries, but if it is significant enough, it can cause pressure in the skull and result in harm or death.
There are two types of injuries: open and closed. Closed involve no skull fractures, while open injuries have skull fractures. Both are just as serious since swelling and blood clots in the brain can occur in either. Loss of consciousness, paralysis, and death can result from either.
Serious Injuries
If a head injury has caused a brain injury, it can be difficult to find or detect. Even without a high-speed impact or object penetration, an injury to the brain is possible. Head injury sufferers need to be watched for common symptoms, such as severe headaches, memory difficulties, and even confusion. Even if these do not manifest, a serious injury to the brain could have happened. If there’s any reason to suspect a serious injury to the brain, you should take them for medical help.
