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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are severe conditions that can result in a permanent and debilitating loss of bodily function. These injuries can also be difficult to detect, making them particularly dangerous. Even people who have suffered severe brain trauma might not show obvious symptoms for hours or days after getting hurt. By the time it becomes evident that something is seriously wrong, it may be too late to prevent catastrophic consequences.

Anyone who suffers a blow to the head, neck, or face should seek professional medical attention regardless of how they feel in the moment. That said, here are some common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to watch out for after being involved in a serious accident. Those experiencing these symptoms should go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Possible Signs of a Mild TBI

Those who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries will generally make a full recovery if they receive proper treatment and avoid additional brain trauma. After a mild TBI, it’s still important to seek professional medical care to prevent more serious damage. Some common symptoms associated with mild TBIs include:

• Loss of consciousness for under a minute
• Increased drowsiness or fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to sound and light
• Nausea, vomiting, or headaches
• Sudden spells of dizziness
• Blurred vision, a bad taste in the mouth, ringing ears, difficulty smelling, and other minor sensory changes
• Depression, anxiety, and other mood changes
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal

Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Brain Trauma

Sometimes, symptoms of a severe TBI can look a lot like the symptoms of a mild injury—except instead of slowly getting better and going away over time, they continually get worse. For example, a severe TBI may start with headaches or vomiting that persist for days. Other signs of moderate to severe brain damage may include:

• Loss of consciousness for several minutes or longer
• Uneven pupil dilation
• Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
• Sudden convulsions or seizures
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in fingers and toes
• Difficulty walking or balancing while sitting upright
• Inability to wake up from sleep
• Slurred speech or substantial difficulty concentrating
• Dramatic changes in mood or personality, including increased aggressiveness and agitation

TBI Symptoms in Young Children

Young children who sustain traumatic brain injuries may be unable to clearly communicate their symptoms. Parents and guardians need to know what to watch out for after their child suffers head trauma in an accident. Signs of a TBI may include:

• Sudden disinterest in eating, nursing, or favorite toys or activities
• Sudden changes in sleeping habits
• New difficulty paying attention
• Mood changes, especially sadness or depression
• Being more irritable or more difficult to console than usual

Talk to a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney About Your Symptoms

Even if a TBI does not result in any permanent and debilitating harm, you can still bring a civil claim against the person responsible for causing your injury. If you or a family member has suffered a TBI with lifelong repercussions, it’s even more critical to understand and enforce your right to demand compensation.

The TBI lawyers at our firm can ensure you get paid fairly for the effects and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to learn more.