Brain Injury Questions and Answers

People with TBI have hope and treatment options. With education about the condition you can help your loved one recover.

What is Brain Injury?

Brain injury comes in many forms. The two main types are open and closed brain injuries. Open head injuries might be the result of a gunshot, vehicle collision or other impact, causing the scalp to bleed and the skull to crack open. Closed head injuries may also result from impact, but signs of damage may be hard to spot. During a closed head injury, the brain may bounce around in the skull.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Injury?

Anyone who experiences a blow to the head should seek immediate medical evaluation. However, even after you’ve escorted your loved one home from the hospital, signs of severe brain injury may arise.

Any of the following symptoms are a sign to see your doctor:

• Loss of consciousness, sense of confusion or disorientation
• Headache, fatigue, vomiting, dizziness or nausea
• Loss of balance
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Blurred vision, ringing in the ears or bad taste in the mouth
• Depression or anxiety
• Mood swings
• Concentration problems
• Convulsions or seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech

In short, anyone who seems to have trouble getting back to normal after a traumatic event should see a physician in order to diagnose or rule out a brain injury.

What About PTSD?

People who experience even a mild traumatic brain injury are at an increased risk for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that patients with TBI often showed symptoms of PTSD and vice-versa.

What About Brain Injuries at Birth?

In the United States, birth asphyxia happens in about 4 in every 1,000 births. Birth asphyxia is when a baby’s brain and organs do not get enough oxygen before and during delivery, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital. While some babies suffer no ill-effects, others have developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy because of this brain injury at birth.

Getting Help

Doctors are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries, but you and your family need long-term financial and community support. Those with a brain injury in Ohio may need to file a legal claim. For further information, contact a Cleveland injury attorney from our law firm, today.

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