The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths are caused by a victim sustaining some type of traumatic brain or head injury. In the state of New York, close to 20,000 people are hospitalized or killed every single year as a result of sustaining injury to their head or brain.
While many people do not realize the severity of a brain injury, others will be forced to face the consequences of such an injury for the rest of their lives.
If you have received a blow to the head, you fell and hit your head or you suffered some other type of injury that caused your brain to get knocked around, medical attention should be sought at once. Bumps, cuts, scrapes and bruises can all be signs of head trauma. Losing consciousness, being unable to remember what happened during or prior to the accident and passing out are also signs that a serious injury has occurred. In some cases, there may be no visible signs of injury at all.
If you experience any of the following signs, you may have suffered a concussion or more severe type of brain injury:
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Trouble with balance
- Extreme exhaustion
- Dramatic changes in mood
- More emotional than usual
- Sleep problems
Common Events Capable of Causing Traumatic Brain Injury
Any time an individual receives a blow to the head, there is a definite possibility that he or she sustained some type of traumatic brain injury. The severity of the impact, the point of impact and a number of other factors will all affect the extent of injury.
The Mayo Clinic states that some of the most common events capable of causing traumatic brain injury include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls off of raised surfaces
- Car accidents and other vehicle-related collisions
- Sports-related injuries
- Violence or abuse
- Explosions or other blasts, as often seen in combat situations
If you have recently been involved in an accident, it is important to get treated by a medical professional for a full assessment of your condition. Even if you do not feel any pain or notice any symptoms, go to a doctor so that he or she can give you a complete medical evaluation. There may be injuries that could become critical or fatal if not treated immediately. Seeking treatment could save your life.
This brain injury FAQs page can provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Tips to Help You Recover from Your Brain Injury
Not all concussions or traumatic head trauma will result in permanent brain damage. If you have suffered a concussion or other type of injury to your head or brain, it is important you take care of yourself. You can facilitate your recovery by getting sufficient rest, establishing a daily routine, asking for help when you need it, taking up a hobby and getting small amounts of exercise. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants is also beneficial.
If you believe your brain injury was caused as a result of another person’s negligence, carelessness or wrongful conduct, you are not alone. You may be able to pursue damages to cover your injury-related expenses with the help of a skilled attorney. An attorney can review your case and advise you of the legal options available to you.
