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Traumatic brain injuries are no doubt one of the most serious injuries individuals may suffer as a result of an accident, whether it is a car accident in Philadelphia or a work-related fall accident at a construction site in Pennsylvania.
There are different types of brain injuries, and one of the most misunderstood brain injuries is mild traumatic brain injury. Due to its name, people may not think that it is a serious brain injury and that individuals who have it can recover. Unfortunately, mild traumatic brain injuries can be quite serious and wreak havoc on the victims’ lives. Some may be affected for the rest of their lives. As Philadelphia personal injury lawyers, we’ve seen all types of brain injuries. In this article, we will discuss some of the top causes of brain injuries and the difference between traumatic brain injury and mild traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals who suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident, such as a Philadelphia car accident, typically lose consciousness. This is commonly due to the driver’s head hitting the steering wheel or the window. Brain imaging studies such as CAT scans and MRIs will often show brain injury or damage, such as hematoma and edema.
Individuals who suffer traumatic brain injury can suffer cognitive deficits and have difficulty with their memory, speed of processing, language processing and/or concentration. They may also have difficulty with their speech and language in that they have difficulty speaking and have slurred speech. Their senses, such as vision, hearing, smell and taste may also be affected. In the most serious cases, individuals with traumatic brain injuries can no longer take care of themselves. They need help dressing themselves, feeding themselves, etc. They may need help 24/7.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury, however, typically do not lose consciousness. Further, imaging studies do not show any actual damage to the individual’s brain.
Though imaging studies do not show any damage, a mild traumatic brain injury often causes cognitive deficits; however, the impact may not be as apparent as someone who suffers from a serious traumatic brain injury. An individual with a mild traumatic brain injury may have difficulty concentrating or have memory problems, but these symptoms may not be apparent while the individual is in the hospital. It is not until the individual returns to everyday life that these symptoms arise or increase in frequency.
For instance, a construction worker falls from a ladder at a worksite outside of Philadelphia. As a result, he shatters the bones in his leg. He also has a concussion. The worker needs to have surgery on his leg and stays in the hospital for 2 weeks. While in the hospital, brain imaging studies are taken and show no damage. The injured worker has fatigue, headaches and sometimes difficulty remembering things while he is in the hospital. Other than that, he seems like himself to his family. Everyone thinks he just needs rest.
After the worker is released from the hospital and goes home, symptoms of his mild traumatic brain injury start to emerge. When he helps his daughter with math homework, he can’t seem to remember how to do simple math. He gets headaches often and has difficulty concentrating even doing simple tasks like paying the bills. His wife also notices a personality change with her husband. He is often moody and not himself. As it turns out, the worker suffers from a mild traumatic brain injury.
It is important for individuals who suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries to seek treatment as soon as possible. Oftentimes, mild traumatic brain injuries are not diagnosed immediately after the accident due to other injuries that need immediate treatment, such as orthopedic injuries.
Help After Suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries, whether serious or mild, affect the individuals as well as their families. If the brain injuries were sustained in accidents caused by the negligence of another person, such as a drunk driver, victims have legal rights.
If you or a loved one suffers from a brain injury after an accident in PA or NJ, call the personal injury lawyers at LBK. All of the partners at the firm are “Top Rated Personal Injury – Plaintiff Attorney in Philadelphia, PA” by Super Lawyers. They have the experience and resources to help injured victims recover financial compensation they are entitled to. FREE consultations. (866) 641-0806
More from Our Traumatic Brain Injury Library
- Work Related Brain Injuries – What to Do if You Suspect a Brain Injury in a Work Accident Can you receive compensation for a brain injury due to a work injury? What steps should injured workers take in order to receive compensation?
- Brain Injuries in Accident & Injury Cases – Why You Should Take Them Seriously After a catastrophic accident, an individual often suffers serious injuries such as broken bones. If the individual suffers a brain injury, it may sometimes not be diagnosed. Brain and head injuries affect individuals differently. This article discusses why brain injuries should be taken seriously.
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