Traumatic Brain Injury: Learn the Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options | Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A.

A doctor points to printouts from a brain scan to diagnose a traumatic brain injury.

Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed in March

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to shed light on an injury that is involved in many personal injury cases. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone, at any age, and at any time. A TBI is a type of head injury that damages the brain. TBIs can be minor or severe, resulting in long-term complications.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in an accident, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent further damage.

It's also important to speak with an experienced brain injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin P.A., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a TBI can have on a victim and their family. That's why we provide compassionate and personalized legal representation to help our clients find their way forward. To learn more about how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation.

Common causes of traumatic brain injury

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, there are two types of traumatic brain injuries: non-penetrating and penetrating. A TBI can be caused by a blow to the head that causes the brain to shift, known as a non-penetrating TBI. A penetrating TBI is caused by an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBIs. During an accident, a person can hit their head on the dashboard, window, or steering wheel, causing the brain to crash inside the skull. Even if your head does not make physical contact with something inside your car, you can still suffer a TBI from the jolt of the collision.

Slip and fall accidents, sports, and workplace accidents are also common causes of TBIs.

Symptoms of a brain injury

Symptoms of a TBI can appear immediately after suffering a head injury, or they can reveal themselves days or even weeks later. A TBI can range from minor to moderate to severe. Losing consciousness minutes after the head injury is a major symptom, but other common signs and symptoms of TBIs include:

Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Slurred speech
Issues with sleep
Headaches
Nausea
Seizures
Sensitivity to light
Dizziness
Ringing in ears

If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Again, symptoms of a TBI can take time to appear, so it's essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen. A doctor can perform tests to determine the extent of your injury and develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Diagnosing and treating a TBI

After enduring head trauma, you should always get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Through a neurological evaluation, image tests, or blood tests, your doctor may diagnose you with a TBI and recommend treatment options.

Treatments depend on the individual and the severity of the TBI. For a mild TBI, rest and pain-relieving medications may be prescribed. For a moderate TBI, additional medications may be needed to treat seizures, depression, and anxiety and to prevent blood clots. A severe TBI can be life-threatening and typically requires emergency medical care. Surgery may be the only option to relieve pressure inside the skull and remove hematomas or foreign objects from the brain.

Get help from an experienced brain injury lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a TBI is a challenging and complex process. In addition to physical symptoms, a TBI can also have significant emotional and cognitive effects. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person with a TBI may experience difficulty with daily activities such as work, school, or social interactions. Coping with these changes can be challenging for both the person with the TBI and their loved ones.

Fortunately, brain injury victims have recourse through the civil justice system if someone else's negligence caused their injury. An attorney can help victims and their families pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They can also help hold responsible parties accountable for their reckless actions.

At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., our New Hampshire brain injury attorneys can fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve. We've been fighting for New Hampshire's injured for over 150 years and have a long-standing history of getting meaningful results for our clients. We are here to help you understand your legal options and provide the support and guidance you need. Don't wait — schedule a free consultation today.