“Traumatic brain injury” sounds like one of the scariest injuries you can imagine, but when it happens, it might not seem like such a big deal at first. You might think, “It’s just a little bump on the head,” and just go on with your day instead of going to the emergency room, but in the subsequent hours, you may start to feel a lot worse. The symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) take a long time to resolve, but you can most successfully manage your symptoms if you get a prompt diagnosis and begin supportive treatment. The financial effects of TBI are at least as bad as the physical ones, as with many kinds of serious injuries; it may be months or even longer before you can go back to work. If you are struggling financially while living with TBI caused by a traffic collision, contact a New York car accident lawyer.
What Causes TBI?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen any time that something hits you on the head with sufficient force. The mildest form of TBI is known as concussion. If you lose consciousness, even for just a few seconds, as a result of something hitting you on the head or you falling down and hitting your head, then you should go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic to be evaluated for TBI, but some instances of concussion or TBI do not involve loss of consciousness at all. The original injury might not even hurt that much; you might feel more surprise than pain when it first happens.
Car accidents are a common cause of TBI. Motorcyclists are also susceptible to TBI, although wearing a helmet can protect you from the worst brain injuries. Other causes of concussion and TBI include contact sports, accidental falls, and violent assaults.
Symptoms of Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
The symptoms of concussion or mild TBI often develop several hours after the initial traumatic injury. They can include the following:
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness or fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Ringing in the ears
Abnormal perception of smell and taste
Confusion and difficulty concentrating
Difficulty pronouncing words
Mood symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability
More severe cases can also cause seizures. In general, the longer you lose consciousness after the original injury, the more severe and longer-lasting the symptoms will be.
What to Do if You Get Diagnosed With TBI After a Car Accident
Getting a prompt diagnosis is the first step toward recovery, but living with TBI is a marathon, not a sprint. It is difficult to get back to your usual routine, and you may need to take a prolonged leave of absence from work. You may be able to get compensation for your injury-related medical bills and lost income by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident.
Contact Leitner Varughese Warywoda About Car Accident Cases
A car accident lawyer can help you if you suffered a concussion or TBI as a result of a car accident. Contact Leitner Varughese Warywoda PLLC in Brooklyn, New York, or call (212)671-1110 to discuss your case.
