Traumatic Brain Injuries: How to Spot and Treat a TBI
What are the top causes of TBIs?
Each year, 1.5 million head injuries will require treatment in emergency rooms across the nation, according to the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF). While some head injuries will heal in just a short amount of time, other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be fatal, resulting in 52,000 deaths per year. The survivors of serious brain injuries will often require months or even years of medical treatment. At times, they will never return to their previous level of functioning. Our Marietta, Georgia brain injury attorneys discuss the causes of TBIs, symptoms, and treatment options below.
Causes of TBIs
There are numerous potential causes of traumatic brain injuries, including:
- Sports injuries: Some sports place players at a heightened risk of traumatic brain injuries. Those that play football, soccer, baseball, cheerleading, hockey, and boxing are all at an increased risk of head injuries. Children, whose brains are still evolving and forming, could suffer even more severe symptoms if hit in the head. At times, sports organizers will be liable for sports-related TBIs.
- Vehicle related accidents: Car accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck crashes, and the like could cause traumatic brain injuries. In a serious accident, the head is among the most vulnerable body parts for injury. Those injured in a car accident or another traffic related crash could seek compensation for the driver at-fault for the crash.
- Falls: Falls from heights are a frequent cause of devastating head injuries. Workplace accidents are among the most common causes of serious falls. Slip and falls are another potential cause of TBIs. Those injured at work or individuals who fall on the property of another could potentially have a viable personal injury claim.
Brain Injury Symptoms
Brain injuries are not always easy to detect. Anyone who has suffered any sort of head injury should be on high alert for brain injuries. Potential symptoms of TBIs include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Inability to concentrate
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Even a mild TBI requires prompt treatment. As such, anyone injured in an accident who may have experienced head trauma should seek emergency medical attention.
Treatment for Brain Injuries
Treatment for a TBI will depend on its severity. Often, the patient will be closely monitored. Doctors may run several tests and administer medication. At times, surgery will be necessary to relieve pressure, stop bleeding, or remove clots. Rehabilitation may be required for patients with significant brain injuries. Even with rehabilitation, some TBI sufferers will continue to experience symptoms related to their injury.
Posted in: Brain Injury