What characteristics of a brain injury should I watch out for?

by Aug 8, 2015

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One of the most devastating injuries that a person can suffer is one that affects the brain. It is critical for anyone who experiences a blow to the head, serious fall or loss of consciousness to seek medical help right away. With emergency care, it can be possible to prevent an injury from getting worse.

Unfortunately, there are some effects of a traumatic brain injury that prove to be long-term or even permanent. Depending on the severity of the conditions resulting from a TBI, a person can be left physically or mentally disabled. Because of how important it is to tend to potential brain injuries right away, it can be crucial for people to know what the characteristics of a brain injury could look like.

The severity of a brain injury can be measured according to the Glasgow Coma Scale, as noted in this article on the Live Strong website

According to the scale, sufferers of a brain injury that is considered minor could start experiencing some symptoms that are noticeable but initially ignored or attributed to something else. These could include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Problems remembering things or concentrating
  • Some mood changes
  • Potentially brief loss of consciousness
  • Increasingly bad headache

A more serious injury could result in more serious symptoms. A moderate or severe brain injury could have characteristics like:

  • Slurred speech
  • Longer periods of lost consciousness or an inability to wake up
  • Loss of coordination
  • Persistent amnesia
  • Severe confusion or memory loss

The treatment for these conditions depends heavily on where and how severely the brain has been damaged so it can be vital to see a doctor right away.

Once medical care has been secured, you may want to explore your options for financial support. This can be necessary if you are unable to work as a result of your disabling injury. There could be many benefits available, including those through Social Security. Discussing these options with an attorney can alleviate some of the fear and anxiety that you may be feeling about your future.