If a brain injury sounds terrifying, that’s because it can have major effects on your mind and body. When the brain becomes injured, impairment and damage can slowly affect cognitive and motor function. There are some clear signs of a brain injury and things you can do if you think you might recognize them. You should never avoid seeing a doctor, even if you think your symptoms might be nothing. Here’s what you need to know.
There Are Two Main Kinds
Brain injuries are split into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. All this implies is how the brain injury happened. Traumatic injuries come from a literal impact on the head, whether it’s a bullet or a blunt object. The skull may break or remain intact, and either can result in a traumatic brain injury. A non-traumatic brain injury, on the other hand, happens after something internal. Illnesses, infections and other conditions can trigger a brain injury. Strokes are the most common cause, though cancers, tumors and infections of the brain can also create the perfect storm for an injury.
Symptoms Vary From Mild to Severe
There is a broad spectrum of severity for traumatic brain injuries. Some cases are only mild and show themselves in minor ways, such as headaches, loss of consciousness for a few seconds and lethargy. More severe cases include vomiting, vision impairments, nausea, intense confusion, trouble speaking and breathing, and personality changes. If you begin to recognize these signs, consider if you’ve recently hit your head and seek medical help.
Falls and Car Accidents Are the Most Common Causes
Older age groups are more susceptible to slipping and hitting their heads, but they are far from being the only demographic at risk for brain injuries. Younger people who have been in car accidents are more likely to suffer from an injury to the brain. Child abuse frequently results in brain injuries. Violent events that include gunshots, explosions or the use of weapons, such as hammers and baseball bats, may cause traumatic injuries.
You Can Get Help From a Brain Injury Lawyer
You may need to file a claim to recover damages that can help you pay medical bills. Many people don’t have the money saved up for such expensive care, and failing to secure a claim can mean going into debt. Even only making an initial consultation appointment can help get you off on the right path.
