When someone is involved in a car crash or hits their head in a slip-and-fall accident, skipping medical treatment is never a good idea, even if you notice no symptoms of injury. The signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not appear right away. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, our eastern Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers handle all types of cases involving traumatic brain injuries. We know that even when symptoms aren’t obvious, it’s best to seek medical care to avoid the risk of a serious brain injury becoming worse.
Can You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury With No Symptoms?
Yes. It’s possible to have a TBI such as a concussion with only mild symptoms, such as a slight headache, or with no symptoms at all. However, this doesn’t mean that you haven’t suffered any injuries, and you may experience serious symptoms days or weeks down the road.
Concussions Are the Most Common Form of TBI
Concussions can range from mild to severe and can have lasting effects. If you already suffer from headaches or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, you may not realize you’re experiencing symptoms of a concussion. If you’re involved in an accident or play contact sports such as football, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor if you sustain a blow to the head. Diagnostic testing such as CT scans and MRIs can detect damage to the brain and skull, which can help to ensure you’re properly diagnosed and receive prompt treatment. Common signs of concussion include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
Even if you don’t suffer any of these symptoms after a head injury, it’s crucial to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Recovery from a mild concussion can take just a few weeks, but if you have a more serious TBI, you may suffer permanent damage to the brain. Medical records also provide valuable evidence a car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney will need if you end up pursuing a claim for damages.
Other Types of TBI That May Not Be Apparent
Hemorrhaging
A brain hemorrhage is uncontrolled bleeding either inside or outside the brain. Hemorrhaging usually is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Depending on the area in which it occurs, an injured victim may not experience immediate symptoms. However, a brain hemorrhage should be treated immediately and usually requires surgery. Lack of proper treatment can result in vision problems, loss of movement, severe headaches, and death.
Subdural Hematoma
After a major blow to the head, a brain hematoma may form. A subdural hematoma happens when blood pools or clots in the brain between the surface of the brain and the skull. The hematoma can press on brain tissue and as it gets bigger, can cause loss of consciousness and death. Subdural hematomas are particularly dangerous, possibly fatal, for older people. If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall or car accident and experience symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, vision changes, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.
Cerebral Edema
Often known as brain swelling, edema can occur in various locations of the brain and cause fluid to accumulate in the skull. After an impact to the head, the pressure from brain swelling can cause brainstem compression and herniation, and eventually lead to death. Anyone who suffers this type of traumatic brain injury should be closely monitored for at least 48 to 72 hours. If caught early, edema is often treatable without long-term effects, so you should always go to the emergency room after suffering a blow to the head. Symptoms of cerebral edema include dizziness, headache, difficulty speaking, vision changes, memory loss, and neck stiffness.
Early Evaluation and Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries are Crucial
Slip-and-fall lawyers, workplace accident attorneys, and personal injury lawyers recommend that you see a medical provider as soon as possible after a head injury. Many traumatic brain injuries are treatable, and permanent damage or death can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment. Even if you feel fine, if you’re involved in a collision, motorcycle accident, or another incident that causes you to be struck in the head, being proactive about seeking medical care could save your life.
Surgeries, hospital stays, medical treatment, therapy, and ongoing care for TBI can be costly. In addition, the physical, emotional, and financial impact of suffering a serious brain injury can be long-lasting. If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident and injury-related damages. Don’t take chances with your health ꟷ even if you haven’t suffered a serious brain injury, a trip to the hospital or doctor is well worth your time.
Contact an Accident Lawyer in Eastern PA
Our auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys care about our clients and their families. Whether you need help with a car accident lawsuit or have sustained a TBI in a slip-and-fall incident, our dedicated team at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad is here for you. With offices in Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, and Monroe counties, we serve clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania. To schedule your consultation with a personal injury lawyer, contact us or call 610-867-2900.