According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.5 million Americans experience a traumatic brain injury each year. Most TBIs are caused in automobile, motorcycle or bicycle crashes, and they can have long-term effects. It is important that those who experience such an injury as well as their family members understand how to handle living with it. The first step is to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Signs of a brain injury include nausea, confusion or blurry vision. Regardless of whether the injury is mild or severe, a timely diagnosis may make it easier to control secondary symptoms and generally improve an individual’s quality of life. Diagnosing the injury quickly may also reduce the development of free radicals within the brain that can cause further damage. Treatment options may range from pain control in mild cases to spending time in a hospital in severe cases.
Severe head injuries may also require medication or surgery to determine the extent of and treat the injury. Regardless of the severity of a TBI, it should never be ignored, and patients should see a doctor if any signs of such an injury present themselves. In mild cases, symptoms may take time to present, which means seeing a doctor may be worthwhile just to be safe.
Those who suffer from a head injury may experience temporary or permanent disability. When the accident was caused by the negligence of another person, such as an impaired, speeding or distracted motorist, an injured victim may want to have the help of a lawyer in seeking appropriate compensation from the at-fault party.