If you strike your head, even if you suffer a closed head injury without significant exterior symptoms, you could also suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This often happens when the brain moves violently within the skull, such as during a motor vehicle accident. It could also happen after a fall at work or when playing sports.
If you do suffer from a TBI, it is important to talk to medical professionals. Every brain injury is unique and some can be very severe. This is not the type of medical care you should procrastinate.
What signs should you look for?
If you suspect that you may have a TBI and you’re debating talking to medical professionals, here are some signs and symptoms to keep in mind:
- Losing consciousness, even for a short time.
- Having trouble with balance and coordination.
- Being extra sensitive to lights and sounds.
- Having gaps in your memory or no ability to remember the event in which you were injured.
- Feeling nauseous or sick, or even vomiting.
- Showing signs of mental confusion and cognitive impairments.
- Feeling excessively fatigued or tired.
- Suffering from mood swings and bouts of irritability or even aggression.
If you do see some of these signs, it may be wise to talk to a doctor to determine if you have a TBI and what type of treatment is necessary. Remember that some traumatic brain injuries get worse with time, so it’s important to act quickly. The medical care that you need may be expensive, so it is also wise to look into your rights to seek financial compensation if someone else was responsible for your injury.