Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most life-changing injuries we see at our office. Many accident victims find their lives turned upside down after a traumatic blow to their head or body, unable to think clearly or to perform basic life tasks. They need compensation to pay for medical treatment and cover their lost wages. If you have suffered a TBI, you need to meet with one of our Los Angeles car accident attorneys today.
TBI Symptoms
Perhaps the most obvious symptom of a TBI is blacking out immediately after suffering a blow. With a mild concussion, you might not blackout at all or for only a couple seconds. More serious TBIs can leave someone unconscious for hours or days. After a crash, you can ask a passenger or a witness at the scene if you passed out because you might not remember.
Other symptoms that you should be aware of include:
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Mental confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Lack of balance
- Nausea
- Convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Loss of short-term memory
- Impaired sleep
- Irritability
Many of these symptoms exist in combination. For example, someone with headaches and nausea often has trouble sleeping. If you notice any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is worth it to speak to your doctor.
However, you also need to realize that symptoms sometimes do not develop for 24-48 hours after an accident, so stay alert to them. Once you suspect you have a TBI, go immediately to a doctor, who can check you over.
Remember, you do not need to suffer a direct blow to the head to get a TBI. Any blow to the body that shakes your head back and forth (or side to side) can jiggle the brain, damaging tissue and blood vessels. After a car accident, some people develop a TBI along with whiplash, for example.
Diagnosing TBIs
There is no test for diagnosing a TBI, but doctors have different techniques they use. They will ask you questions about the accident to test your mental acuity and will also test your reflexes. A doctor will also judge your mental impairment based on how long you were unconscious.
Some doctors might simply monitor you to see if TBI symptoms emerge. If you show the classic symptoms of a concussion, then a doctor will probably diagnose you with one. Very few doctors order brain imaging scans (like a CT scan) to assess whether you have a TBI.
Treating a TBI
Treatment will vary by the symptoms and their severity. For a mild concussion, you can take over-the-counter medicines to manage pain. Your doctor might also advise taking it slow for a few weeks. Mild concussions generally clear up after a couple months.
More serious TBIs might require rehabilitation to relearn how to walk, talk, and take care of yourself. Very serious TBIs usually result in admittance to the intensive care unit, where doctors can monitor your vital signs and ensure your brain receives enough blood and oxygen. The road back from a severe TBI is very slow, and some people do not ever fully recover.
Speak to Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys
A TBI is a serious injury, but with persistence, you can often stage a comeback. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we have seen how our clients need compensation to cover medical care, replace lost wages, and compensate for pain and suffering.
Contact us today. One of our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles can meet with you to discuss your options for seeking a financial settlement from the driver at fault for the accident.