A traumatic brain injury can occur after a sharp hit to the head, which often happens in car wrecks and workplace accidents. Depending on how severe the blow to the head was, people can experience anything from temporary psychological symptoms to memory loss and unconsciousness. In severe cases, this injury can lead to lifelong disability or death. There are treatments, but the medical expenses can be high. However, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you can talk to a Tennessee auto accident lawyer who will help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

How to Recognize Traumatic Brain Injury

In order to know if you have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you will need to be able to recognize a few signs. These signs will vary depending on whether you have a mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Pain is an obvious sign to look out for, along with bleeding or a dent in the skull which could indicate a cracked skull.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

You will know if you have a mild TBI if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Falling in and out of consciousness (blacking out)
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Blurry vision
  • Ringing ears
  • Fatigue
  • Noticeable mood or behavioral changes
  • Problems with concentration or attention
  • Memory loss

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

If your injury is moderate or severe, medical attention should not be ignored. Look for the following symptoms:

  • Headache that seems to increase in pain
  • Nausea with vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Complete loss of consciousness
  • Slurred speech
  • Dilated pupils
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in arms or legs
  • Stumbling when you walk
  • Restlessness and agitation

Amongst these symptoms, you will likely also experience the same symptoms as someone with mild TBI.

Long Term Effects of TBI

People with TBI may have to deal with prolonged effects for a few weeks or several years. Long-term effects of TBI often include problems in thinking, sensory impairments like vision problems, depression, personality changes, anxiety, and communication problems that can involve trouble with understanding speech or talking properly. In severe cases, people may be stuck in a vegetative state in which they are unconscious with no awareness of the environment around them.

How a Doctor will Determine TBI

If you seek medical help after noticing signs of TBI, a doctor may perform some basic tests like a neurological exam and imaging tests. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be referred to a physical therapist for a certain period of time.