The brain is one of our most vital organs, and because it affects literally everything we do, brain damage is nothing to take lightly. That’s why it’s critical to pay close attention to anyone who has recently suffered a blow to the head, or any type of head injury, since it could result in anything from a minor bump to major cognitive problems.
The Different Levels of Brain Trauma
Head injuries are generally classified as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe,” and while symptoms for each may vary, many remain the same through all levels of injury. And no matter the severity, anyone with a head injury should always be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Even a mild case of brain trauma is still brain trauma and could have lasting consequences if not handled properly.
Some Immediate and Long-Term Effects
Immediate vs. long-term effects also need to be taken into consideration after a head injury. Immediate effects generally include things like confusion/disorientation, a headache, or nausea/vomiting. Long-term consequences can include a change in sleeping habits and/or mood, as well as memory problems or trouble concentrating. Even if someone does not exhibit any immediate symptoms of brain trauma after suffering a blow to the head, they may exhibit more serious symptoms a few days, or even weeks later, so it’s important to remain vigilant.
Moderate-to-severe brain trauma can include anything from a few minutes of lost consciousness, to an inability to wake from sleep, to coma. Convulsions or seizures, loss of balance or coordination, slurred speech, and unusual behavior are also all signs of moderate or severe brain trauma. Again, some of these symptoms may appear immediately after the incident, whereas others may take a significant amount of time before they make themselves evident, so always make a note of any blow to the head that may have occurred and have them see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Symptoms From Body Parts Other Than The Head
While many of us might think a head injury could only result in things like headaches or mood changes, it’s important to remember that brain trauma can affect the entire body. Not only are nausea and vomiting common symptoms, but numbness in the fingers or toes could be a sign of moderate-to-severe head trauma.
Your brain sends signals to and receives signals from all over the body, so depending on where the brain trauma occurred, it can result in odd or unusual sensations anywhere on the body. That’s why it’s so important to monitor all unusual sensations or behaviors that occur any time after experiencing a blow to the head. You never know what could be the result of a serious head injury, so monitor the victim and alert your doctor to any changes immediately.
Symptoms in Babies and Small Children
Because babies cannot tell us exactly how they feel or what hurts, it’s particularly important to watch out for and try to prevent blows to the head, especially since their skulls are soft and still developing. Any change in eating/nursing habits, sleeping habits, or mood or behavior could be a sign of brain trauma. Crying incessantly or displaying signs of irritability are also indications of a potential head injury in an infant.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or some other type of accident, you need the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
CONTACT the Lieser Law Firm today for your FREE case evaluation.