Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an impact to the brain by an external force. A blow, jolt or penetration to the head causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, which can lead to bruising, bleeding, torn tissues sometimes brain damage. Severe TBIs can result in long-lasting cognitive and physical disabilities.

TBIs can be suffered in falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and violent assaults as well as incidents in the workplace. Outward symptoms can vary based on the TBI’s severity. Victims might experience slurred speech, difficulty concentrating or seizures. Symptoms might not be immediately evident and can appear hours or even days after the initial trauma.

Traumatic brain injury symptoms vary with the severity of the impact. In mild TBIs like concussions, symptoms might include confusion, dizziness, headaches, nausea or temporary loss of memory. With moderate to severe TBIs, more dramatic symptoms may occur, such as convulsions, coordination issues, dilated pupils and profound confusion. Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or uncharacteristic outbursts, may also be present.

If you experience any of these symptoms or others following a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. Medical professionals use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of a brain injury and determine the appropriate treatment. Timely diagnosis can signal possible brain damage and offer a prognosis for healing through rehabilitation.

A second impact following a TBI can be extremely dangerous if it occurs before the brain has fully recovered from an initial concussion or injury. The brain is particularly vulnerable during the healing process, and a second trauma can disrupt its ability to regulate blood flow. Even a relatively minor second impact can trigger rapid swelling of the brain, often causing severe neurological damage, permanent disability or death. Athletes and individuals in high-risk environments must take extra precautions and allow sufficient recovery time to avoid this potentially life-threatening risk. 

An experienced personal injury attorney is indispensable for TBI victims pursuing legal remedies. Financial compensation may be available if the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. Victims can pursue personal injury lawsuits to recover for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and long-term care costs. For example, if the injury occurred in a car accident due to a reckless driver, the victim may be able to file a claim for damages. Workplace injuries, sports-related TBIs and assaults may also be compensable depending on the circumstances. 

The attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James, New York have nearly eight decades of combined experience handling injury claims for clients across Long Island. For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 631-360-0400. You pay no attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or award for your claim.