Brain injuries can be serious and life-changing, and it’s important for victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they suspect they may have sustained one. However, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs of a brain injury, especially if the victim is in shock or has other injuries that are taking up their attention. Here are some signs of a brain injury that a victim might overlook:
Headache: A headache is a common symptom of a brain injury, but it can also be a symptom of many other conditions. As a result, it’s not uncommon for victims to overlook a headache as a sign of a brain injury. If the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vomiting, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dizziness or balance problems: A brain injury can cause dizziness or balance problems, which can be difficult to recognize if the victim is already feeling disoriented due to the accident. If a victim experiences dizziness or has trouble maintaining their balance, they must seek medical care right away to determine the cause of these issues.
Memory or concentration problems: It’s not uncommon for brain injury victims to develop memory issues or to struggle to concentrate on tasks. Like many of the other symptoms listed here, though, a person might make the mistake of overlooking this symptom or dismissing it as a symptom of an unrelated problem, such as stress.
Changes in mood or behavior: A brain injury may cause a victim to become irritable, anxious, or depressed. This is a symptom that loved ones, coworkers, and close friends of a victim might notice even before the victim fully notices it themselves.
Sensory changes: Traumatic brain injuries can lead to changes in a person’s sense of touch, taste, smell, or hearing. If a victim experiences any sudden or significant changes in their senses, they must see a doctor to prevent the issue from worsening.
Sleep problems: A brain injury can cause sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. However, some victims ignore this symptom, perhaps due to the fact that sleep problems are relatively common and have several potential causes.
Seizures: A brain injury can cause seizures, which can be difficult to recognize if the victim is not familiar with what a seizure looks like. If a victim experiences any sudden or unusual movements, they need medical care.
(Note: None of this should be mistaken for professional medical advice. Only a doctor can properly diagnose your condition.)
If you discover that you have sustained a brain injury, depending on the circumstances, it’s possible your injury was caused in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party.
Do you have strong reason to believe this has occurred? If so, review your case with a Washington brain injury attorney at Russell & Hill. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. For more information, call us today at 800-529-0842.