Identifying Brain Injuries

Have you or someone you love recently been involved in an accident or collision? The first 48 hours, as well as the following weeks after a serious incident are some of the most vital windows when it comes to taking care of your health and catching the signs of a major injury. While certain injuries like broken bones and visible trauma (cuts, bruises etc), will be immediately identifiable, major dangers like Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) can take days or even weeks to become fully evident.

At James H. Brown and Associates, we know just how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident, especially when it comes to managing your road to recovery. We also know that brain injuries remain the most dangerous and difficult to identify injuries following a collision, potentially leading to lifelong impairment or even premature death if left untreated. If you or someone you know has recently been in an accident, below we’ll take a look at some of the signs you may have a brain injury, as well as why working with a personal injury lawyer like James H. Brown and Associates is essential to your recovery process. Read on to learn more.

What is a Brain Injury?

There are many different factors that can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the aftermath of an accident or collision. The most common cause is a violent blow or jolt to the head, as well as objects puncturing the skull and going through the brain tissue. Car accidents, sport-related falls, firearm injuries, and assault are the most common causes of TBI, but it’s important to note that each brain injury is unique and that every body recovers differently. While mild injuries may result in temporary damage, more severe cases can lead to bruising, torn tissue, internal bleeding, and other significant issues.

One of the biggest misconceptions about TBIs is that you have to be hit hard or even knocked unconscious to get a brain injury. The fact is, you don’t have to be hit hard or rendered unconscious to develop a brain injury. Even “mild” impacts can cause long-lasting, life-altering issues that require immediate medical attention.

What Are the Signs of a TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injuries can be hard to diagnose due to the fact that they do not always show symptoms right away outwardly. It can take days and sometimes even weeks to become clear, meaning that anyone that has experienced a blow to the head or serious fall should always take precautions and seek medical attention ASAP. Common early signs of a potential TBI include:

• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness
• Fatigue and/or drowsiness
• Slurred speech or difficulty forming sentences
• Light and/or sound sensitivity
• Ringing in the ears, sudden loss of taste or smell
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Memory issues

High-risk symptoms that require immediate evaluation include:

• Aggressive behaviour
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Abnormal pupil dilation
• Loss of coordination and/or numbness in extremities
• Clear fluids draining from nose or ears
• Convulsions or seizures
• Long lasting headaches
• Inability to wake up from sleep, etc.

If you notice any of these symptoms, along with any other out-of-character changes, aches or pains, or discomfort following an accident, don’t delay; seek medical attention immediately.

What if I Have a Brain Injury

Being diagnosed with a brain injury can be an overwhelming prognosis for anyone involved in an accident or collision. While it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed it’s important to proceed forward with care in order to best increase your chances for recovery. Continue to seek medical attention as necessary, closely monitor and record any damages you incur during your recovery (including lost wages, medical expenses, changes to daily capabilities etc), and seek skilled legal representation to move forward with an injury case.

At James H. Brown and Associates, we know from experience that recovering after a brain injury can be one of the toughest challenges for victims to overcome. For over 30 years, our skilled team of personal injury lawyers have helped secure complete, fair compensation for accident victims across Alberta and offer our clients the following:

• Over 250 years of combined injury law experience, including an unrivalled record of success in Alberta courts.
• Accident investigation services, including evidence preservation, accident reconstruction, and more.
• Experts and specialists to fully understand your injuries and their long-term effects.
• Strong relationships with Alberta organizations ready to assist with recovery.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured?

Contact us today to book a free consultation with James H. Brown and Associates and take your steps towards recovery with confidence!