Rest assured, there’s nothing “mild” about a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), except by comparison. Around 1.7 million people every year will sustain some sort of traumatic brain injury, which will result in more than 1.36 million emergency room visits, 275,000 hospitalizations, and 52,000 deaths.
Anyone who suffers a head injury should seek help from a medical professional and, when necessary, a brain injury lawyer. But at the same time, knowing the signs and symptoms of MTBI can help you recognize the issue more quickly and ensure you get the treatment and recovery you need.
Brain injuries are unlike other physical injuries in that you can’t always see them, even if they’re there. MTBI may cause changes in memory or thinking habits that may alter a person’s life, despite looking the same on the outside. They usually occur as a result of trauma to the head: slips, fall accidents, or vehicle collisions that jostle the brain out of its normal functioning.
The initial onset of MBTI may resemble a concussion, with possible disorientation, temporary amnesia, or loss of consciousness. But the symptoms that remain after the initial injuries have been treated are what you need to look out for most of all.
Early-onset symptoms of MTBI include chronic dizziness or vertigo, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Later symptoms may manifest as an intolerance toward loud noises or bright lights, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, and irritability or depression. Remember that even though these symptoms may not appear for weeks or months after the initial accident, they may still be directly related to the brain trauma suffered as a result of it. And because many other injuries and illnesses can cause similar symptoms, it’s important to seek medical treatment for an official diagnosis.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing MTBI after an injury or accident, seek professional help from a medical specialist and a brain injury lawyer. The recovery process can be long and difficult. Many patients require extended time off from work, therapy treatments, and at-home care, which means that getting the compensation you deserve from your accident is vital to help cover your costs and ease your transition.
Luckily, in most cases a mild traumatic brain injury isn’t a life sentence. Many people are able to make full recoveries, given the right tools, resources, and time.
