Falling can sometimes be embarrassing, especially if you are not able to get right back up and assure bystanders that you are okay. If you hit your head, though, that blow could cause serious after-effects. When a trauma interrupts your brain’s normal ability to function, you may have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that when you seek medical attention for your TBI, you become one of over 2.5 million people who visit emergency departments for brain injuries in the U.S. every year. If you notice the following symptoms, you may want to tell your doctor.
Cognitive and mental malfunctions
Not everyone who suffers a TBI loses consciousness, so you may not want to assume you are fine just because you never see stars or pass out. If you notice that you are having trouble with mood swings, or you feel depressed or anxious, it could indicate that your accident was serious. Forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, confusion or trouble speaking clearly are also symptoms of interrupted brain function.
Sensory problems
Damage in your brain can affect any of your senses, so blurred vision or extra sensitivity to light may be signs of a TBI. Your ears could also bother you by ringing or becoming too sensitive to sounds. You could even notice changes to your sense of smell or have a bad taste in your mouth.
Physical issues
After your fall, you may have a headache or feel dizzy and off balance from a mild TBI, but a moderate to severe injury may leave you with a persistent headache that keeps getting worse, and you could lose your coordination. Many people who suffer a TBI experience nausea and may also vomit; the worse the brain damage is, the more prolonged this symptom may be. Your trauma could disrupt your sleep patterns, and you could feel fatigued or drowsy. If your TBI is severe, others may have trouble waking you.
This is not an exhaustive list of the ways a TBI could affect your health. Because medical expenses may be ongoing depending on the extent of your injury, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney who can help you determine whether you are eligible for compensation for your damages.
