How to tell if a Head Injury is Serious?

HEAD INJURIES IN ACCIDENTS CAN HIDE SYMPTOMS

As an injury lawyer who handles serious injuries from motorcycle, car and truck accidents, and on the job injuries, I see traumatic brain injuries as being the most difficult for doctors to notice or to properly diagnose.

The problem is that the symptoms may appear anywhere from immediately after the impact to days, or even weeks, later!

Initially, we often see “LOC +” listed in the emergency room medical records. That stands for “loss of consciousness – positive.” To the rest of us, it means you were knocked out. 

Sometimes, however, it might be negative. You and I refer to that as “getting your bell rung.” It is important to know that getting knocked out momentarily is difficult to diagnose after the shock of an accident.

But, is NOT required to be struck unconscious, to be truly brain-injured. If you are caring for someone after such an injury, do not ignore that gut instinct the Lord gave us all. 

Any of these important signs can be symptoms of traumatic brain injury:

Headaches; blurred vision; ringing in the ears, taste or smell changes.

Nausea or vomiting.

Fatigue or drowsiness.

Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.

Feeling dazed, confused or disoriented with or without dizziness or loss of balance.

Sensitivity to light or sound.

Memory or concentration problems.

Mood changes or mood swings – “He’s just different since the accident.”

Feeling depressed or anxious.

If you, a child or a friend has received a blow to the head, and has ANY (not all, but any) signs or symptoms, see a neurologist right away.

And, do not settle an injury case if there are symptoms like these, until you are fully checked out by a competent specialist and some time has passed.  In Tennessee, there is one year to sue under the Tennessee Statute of Limitations, so take your time, seek experienced legal counsel, and seek quality medical advice.

See www.PeelLawFirm.com for more information