Recognize the signs of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury impacts the most vulnerable Louisiana residents the most: newborns, toddlers and the elderly. Teenagers and 20-somethings are not immune, however, as their developing brains still need considerable protection. At Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, our experts have assisted individuals of all ages who have suffered from severe trauma to the head.

If you have been in a car accident, you know the sudden jolt of impact that throws your body – and particularly your head and neck – into abrupt, unnatural positions. Maybe pain follows immediately, or maybe it shows up a few days later.

If you did not hit your head on the window or steering wheel, you might assume you are not likely to have a head injury, but the Mayo Clinic staff suggests differently. Jolting movements, they say, can be enough to bruise the brain’s delicate tissues, and in fact, the explosive impact of colliding vehicles is “a common cause of traumatic brain injury.”

Even a mild TBI can cause noticeable symptoms following an accident. If you or someone you know develops headaches after a crash, it is a good idea to pay attention to other potential signs of concussion as well. Symptoms often include sleeping more than normal, fighting extreme fatigue, struggling with balance, experiencing sensitivity to light and sound and finding concentration difficult. Anxiety and depression can also accompany a mild TBI, as can unusual mood swings.

Symptoms of moderate to severe head trauma are similar to the above but cause more intense responses. Some you will want to recognize are worsening headaches, slurred speech, and the inability to wake up. For more information on traumatic brain injuries, visit our webpage.