Traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force such as when you hit your head violently on something. Many people suffer minor head injuries and discount the possibility of brain injury. However, it is important to understand that side effects can be debilitating over time so it is always worth getting checked out if you are concerned.
If you are thinking about claiming brain injury compensation, it is likely that you have been experiencing some symptoms that are concerning you. If so, you should seek medical help as soon as possible if you haven’t done so already, even if you think you may be over-reacting. The reality is that many side effects of brain injury are subtle and take time to present themselves so careful monitoring can help with diagnosis.
Because symptoms may not appear right away, it can be easy to discount them so becoming familiar with them can help to ensure that nothing is missed. The most common side effect of brain injury, a headache, is generally the most dismissed as people suffer from headaches on and off throughout their lives so it is easy to miss the connection. Taken in conjunction with a head injury or any other signs or symptoms, however and it can help medical professionals to reach a diagnosis.
The next most common symptoms of brain injuries are dizziness, blurred vision and nausea. To some extent, people expect these after hitting their head so, again, they are often dismissed as normal. Irritability, insomnia and clouded thinking are equally common but can also be a sign of serious brain injury so should definitely be reported. It is possible that symptoms such as these are a result of stress following an accident or general fatigue, but these mild to moderate symptoms can be a precursor to other issues and may require treatment.
More serious side effects can include memory loss, which can vary in severity from difficulty remembering the event itself to more extensive impairment and even amnesia. Problems with other brain functions such as communication, depth perception, vision and cognitive function can also occur and can have varying and longer-term implications.
As brain injuries can present in so many ways, it is vital not to shrug off any symptoms that may be occurring. Seeking treatment quickly can prevent certain types of damage while generally improving the chance of recovery. Brain injuries can leave long-standing and even permanent symptoms which can be difficult to manage and can effect quality of life so they are definitely not something to be taken lightly. A full evaluation can help to treat symptoms and manage any longer-lasting damage effectively while also determining any immediate care needs. It is also important for those who are seeking compensation for head injuries.
