Recognizing the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be hard to spot — especially since some symptoms do not manifest themselves until days or weeks after you get hurt. It is usually in your best interests to get an MRI done after you hit your head, just to make sure that you did not sustain internal bleeding or brain damage. Barring that important step, keep an eye out for symptoms that could indicate a serious injury. Never ignore the signs.

Take the case of actor Natasha Richardson, the wife of actor Liam Neeson. She appeared lucid after sustaining a head injury on a ski accident in Mont Tremblant in Quebec, but was later taken to the hospital when she complained of a nasty headache. A mere two days and two hospital transfers later, she passed away. The medical examiners listed cause of death as an epidural hematoma, or a blunt force trauma to her head.

What do I do if I suspect I sustained a serious injury?

Step 1: Talk to a doctor. There are many clues that suggest you could be seriously hurt. Even if the doctor clears you at first, make sure you stay aware of other symptoms of internal damage. If you notice any of these abnormalities, go back for a second opinion:

Headaches Memory loss Agitation or confusion Seizures or convulsions Unexplained mood swings Blurred vision or hearing loss Fainting or loss of consciousness Lack of coordination or concentration

Nausea or vomiting Anxiety and mood swings Changes in sleep patterns Sensitivity to light or sound Lack of balance and coordination Feeling dazed, confused or disoriented Slurred speech or aphasia

Step 2: Talk to an experienced TBI attorney at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP for representation in New York or the five boroughs. Treatment may be costly and, depending on how you sustained the injury, another person or entity may be able to contribute toward the costs.