Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating types of injuries that people can suffer. Surprisingly, however, it has a reputation as the “invisible injury” because it so often goes undiagnosed, with some people not realizing they have one for months or even years. But how can someone have a TBI and not know it, and what should you do if you believe you might have one?
What is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, is the broad term for any damage someone suffers to their brain as a result of an impact to the head. At its most mild, traumatic brain injuries manifest as concussions, which can have effects that last for hours, days, or weeks. In more severe cases, a TBI can have effects that last for the rest of a person’s life, leading to a permanent disability.
What Are the Symptoms of a TBI?
One of the reasons it is so difficult to identify TBIs is that the symptoms are incredibly varied, depending on what part of the brain was injured. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Memory loss
- Blurry vision or hearing loss
- Disorientation, dizziness, or nausea
- Mood swings
- Problems with falling asleep or waking up
- Changes in appetite
- Depression or anxiety
- Convulsions or seizures
- Irregular dilation of one or both eyes
- Clear fluid draining from the eyes, ears, or nose
How is it Possible to Not Know if You Have a TBI?
Surprisingly, a large number of people with TBIs do not initially realize they have any symptoms out of the ordinary. Many of the symptoms just seem like the normal consequence of suffering a head injury, while others can be mistaken as the result of stress or psychological trauma from a major accident. This leads people to avoid seeking medical attention for their symptoms until they persist long enough that they arouse suspicion, leading people to finally consult a doctor about it.
What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have a TBI?
If you have experienced any of the symptoms above after being in an accident, the first thing you should do is contact a doctor and get a thorough medical evaluation, including a screening for TBIs. If you find you have suffered a TBI, your next step should be to speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury claims. They can help you to figure out a legal strategy that suits your needs, and help you to get the compensation you deserve for the harm you suffered.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts.
