HOUSTON Brain Injury LAWYER

What are the symptoms of a brain injury?

One has to be especially careful when a closed head injury or traumatic brain injury is suspected. Symptoms may not show up immediately after the accident. Often, symptoms show up only after an hour or even days after the event.

Because of the dangers inherent with a traumatic brain injury, getting medical help after a sharp blow to the head is always recommended. Numerous tests can be performed, which will help diagnose a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These tests include a CT scan, speech pathology testing, neuropsychological tests, and others.

Here are some of the classic symptoms of a brain injury:

• Headaches
• loss of consciousness
• Confusion or forgetfulness
• nausea or vomiting
• personality changes
• slurring your speech
• balance issues
• mood swings
• memory loss

How TBI is diagnosed?

Traumatic brain injuries are diagnosed with reference to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The GCS is an objective measure of a person’s functioning ability in three areas:

– Speech ability

– Ability to open the eyes

– Ability to move

Medical professionals rate a person’s responses in these three categories and come up with a total score for the person. A score of 13 or higher usually means a mild traumatic brain injury. A score of nine up to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury. Eight and below shows a severe head injury.

Usually, the Glasgow scale is completed on the way to the hospital after an accident. The testing will be repeated throughout a person’s hospital stay. Medical authorities indicate there may not be a correlation between Glasgow, scales, and a person’s ability to recover.

What About Concussions

According to Brainline, an organization that works to prevent, treat, and aid those that have suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion can be defined as “a result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.”

While most individuals might chalk up any head injury as “not being too serious,” the research indicates that even the most minor of concussions can have a wide range of psychological or physical effects.

The research also notes that, while many signs and symptoms of a serious issue can arise just minutes after a traumatic head injury, other signs may take days or even weeks to develop. Thus, one must recognize the symptoms of a concussion to prevent ongoing or additional trauma to the injured individual potentially.

Thus, remember the following concussion symptoms, broken down by subset:

Emotional and Cognition

• The individual cannot think clearly and has trouble concentrating.
• The individual cannot recall old information or store new information.
• The individual feels as if they are “slowed down.”
• The individual has an abrupt change in mood, such as being easily angered or upset, sad, anxious, or nervous.
• The individual is overall more emotional than normal.

Physical Attributes

• A headache, whether minor or moderate.
• Blurred or fuzzy vision.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light or varying noise levels.
• Dizziness.
• Problems with coordination and balance.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.
• Feeling more tired than usual or having no energy.
• Having a hard time trying to fall asleep.

For young children, one should follow:

• Crying more than usual.
• Changes in behavior, such as throwing “temper tantrums,” become easily agitated or upset, or noticeable changes during play.
• Continued headache.
• Changes in sleeping patterns, nursing, or sleep.
• Disinterest in favorite toys or activities.
• Loss of acquired skills; for example, having trouble with toilet training after already mastering this feat.
• Loss of balance and overall trouble with coordination.
• Trouble concentrating.

If you notice someone with the above symptoms after a head injury, the first thing to do is to remain calm. By panicking, one will make the situation worse by not fully understanding the condition and being unable to render aid or seek after help.

Your Case May Require Expert Testimony

One of the keys to recovering compensation for damages related to a head injury is having qualified experts who can provide testimony about your case. An expert’s opinion and testimony can make the case. Our experienced TBI lawyers will seek out physicians with whom consultation and treatment will likely be needed.

These experts may include professionals with knowledge of:

• future medical expenses;
• accident reconstruction;
• economics or finances; and
• neurology and other medical specialties.

Our lawyers have helped many clients with moderate to severe head injuries that have resulted in significant damage settlements.