Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke: A traumatic brain injury, which is commonly referred to as TBI for short, is a type of brain injury that usually happens after a sudden head trauma which damages the brain. Common incidents of TBI are the result of someone’s head violently coming into contact with an object, or when someone’s head is pierced by an object that enters brain tissue.
Symptoms of a TBI can range from very mild, to moderate, to severe, depending on the nature and extent of brain damage. Someone with a mild traumatic brain injury may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes.
Other common symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury can include:
- headache
- confusion
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- ringing in the ears
- irregular taste in the mouth
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- mood changes, and
- trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking.
A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
Traumatic Brain Injury Victim Rights
When you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, your first objective should be to seek proper medical attention for your injuries to maximize your chance of full recovery. Unfortunately, many people that suffer traumatic brain injuries simply never fully recover. For these individuals and families, a TBI can have a profound and permanent impact on one’s entire life.
Under certain circumstances, victims of traumatic brain may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Fred A. Truglio is a Chicago injury lawyer that helps victims of traumatic brain injury understand their rights and pursue justice. If you believe that we can help you or a loved one, contact us today at (312) 251-3410 or complete the form to the right for a free initial consultation.