Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

 Posted on June 08, 2018 in Catastrophic Injuries

When you hit your head in a slip or fall, you can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are divided into two broad categories - open head injuries, which are injuries where the skull is penetrated, and closed head injuries, which are injuries where the skull is not opened. As you can imagine, an open head injury has obvious symptoms. A closed head injury often does not, and because of this, many slip and fall victims who suffer closed head TBIs do not realize they are injured and do not seek the medical care they need. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a closed head TBI so you can recognize them in yourself or another victim.

If you slip and fall, seek medical attention for your injury as soon as possible. An accurate diagnosis will enable you to receive the medical care you need, which depends on the severity of your injury.

Physical Symptoms

As a TBI victim, there are a few physical symptoms you might experience. These include:

• Blurred vision;
• Difficulty balancing;
• Sensitivity to light or sound;
• Nausea;
• Headache;
• Vomiting;
• Slurred speech;
• Dilated pupils;
• Dizziness;
• Fainting; and
• Fatigue.

Behavioral Symptoms

Unlike your physical symptoms, you might not notice your TBI's behavioral symptoms before your loved ones do. If the people around you express concerns about your changed behavior, take them seriously. The following behavior changes could be symptoms of a TBI:

• Mood swings, such as inexplicable laughing or crying;
• Irritability;
• Impulsivity;
• Constant repetition of words or sounds;
• Anxiety;
• Anger;
• Apathy; and
• Depression.

Cognitive Symptoms

You might be the first to notice your cognitive TBI symptoms, or others around you might notice them first and bring them to your attention. When you experience one or more of the following symptoms following a slip or fall, you could be suffering from a TBI:

• Confusion;
• Memory loss;
• Difficulty recognizing certain objects or people;
• Difficulty finding the right words while speaking;
• Difficulty using language correctly, such as making syntax errors despite speaking his or her native language;
• Inability to create new memories;
• Clouded thinking;
• Difficulty understanding new concepts; and
• Difficulty concentrating.

Work with an Experienced Libertyville Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you were injured in a slip and fall that could have been prevented if another party had taken greater care to prevent the accident, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation for your damages with a personal injury claim. If you are suffering from a TBI, you are likely suffering from some serious financial damages. Contact our team of slip and fall lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP today to set up your initial consultation with us, during which we can help you determine the most effective way to move forward with your claim. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Stephen Baker)