Although loss of consciousness is one of the main indicators of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s not the only one. Other indications like dilated pupils, confusion, chronic headaches, and personality changes are also symptoms of a TBI. So if you hurt your head in an incident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for damages related to TBI.
Brain damage is unique to the individual – no two cases are alike, which is why it’s so important to seek medical attention after hitting your head.
Loss of consciousness and brain injuries
A blow to the head can cause a mild to severe brain injury that often renders the victim unconscious for anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. Brain injuries may happen in several ways:
- Penetration of the skull and brain tissue with a foreign object
- Blow to the head
- Violent motion of the neck, causing the head to move rapidly back and forth
The last scenario is common in car accidents when the whiplash motion of a neck injury causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This leads to swelling, bruising, and bleeding in the brain tissue.
Although many people don’t lose consciousness after a whiplash injury or being struck on the head, it’s not uncommon for significant brain damage to occur.
Symptoms of a brain injury without loss of consciousness
The physical symptoms of a TBI without loss of consciousness are the same as the symptoms of a concussion that can cause the victim to lose consciousness:
- Dizziness and ringing in the ears
- Dilated pupils, or blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent headache
- Drowsiness and fatigue
Brain injuries can cause psychological problems, too, including changes in personality, confusion, and problems with short- and long-term memory, especially amnesia from the injury-causing event.
It’s not unusual for TBI symptoms to persist for weeks after the injury. This is especially true if symptoms aren’t recognized or are ignored as those of a head injury and the injured person continues with their daily activities. Rest in a low-stress environment and preventing re-injury are critical to healing.
Importance of seeking medical attention after a head injury
Prompt medical diagnosis is critical after a head injury, even if you don’t lose consciousness. Call for emergency medical services after you or a loved one have suffered any head or whiplash type of injury. First responders are trained to evaluate signs that indicate potential brain damage and can get you to the doctor quickly. The faster you’re diagnosed, the better your chances of a full recovery.
A professional evaluation could include scans and imaging tests to determine the extent of the damage. These scans also detect dangerous brain bleeding or swelling, all of which might require immediate treatment or intervention. If the accident that caused the injury wasn’t your fault, a California brain injury lawyer can help you recover damages to pay for your medical care.
Following the aftercare instructions of your treating physician reduces the risk of getting reinjured and helps you heal. Successive head injuries usually lead to worse, possibly irreparable damage each time.
Do you need help from a California traumatic brain injury lawyer?
If you or a loved one suffered a blow to the head that caused a traumatic brain injury, we can help. The compassionate attorneys at Ernst Law Group represent victims just like you and have helped our clients collect compensatory damages against the party that caused the accident. Contact us today at (805) 541-0300 for a free initial consultation.
