Brain injuries can occur when a person is involved in an accident such as an automobile crash, a fall, or during an assault or when a person receives a blow to the head, such as during an automobile accident or a fall, or when the person does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen. These are categorized as traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries can also occur during near-drowning accidents, heart attacks, illegal drug use and electric shocks, and these are categorized as acquired brain injuries. More than one million people suffer from brain injuries each year, and of those people, more than 50,000 die. Thousands more are hospitalized because of the seriousness of the injury.
The severity of a brain injury varies. Some bumps to the head are nothing more than mild injuries that result in dizziness and a headache. Serious injuries result in unconsciousness or amnesia. Children and teenagers are most likely to sustain brain injuries. Children who are suffering from a brain injury often exhibit symptoms such as persistent crying and refusal to nurse or eat.
People who suffer from brain injuries often have to deal with memory loss, increased stress and anger, and loss of employment. Brain injuries can cause drastic changes in people’s emotions, thinking and speaking ability. Brain injuries can often lead to epilepsy and increase one’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Personal injury attorneys can help answer questions about brain injuries, your rights regarding the injury, and what kind of compensation you are entitled to.
The best way to protect yourself against brain injuries is to wear a helmet and to wear a seatbelt. However, blows to the head can still occur. The most dangerous aspect of a head injury is if there is bleeding inside the skull, which is often unnoticeable from the outside. If you or a loved one does receive a blow to the head, contact emergency services immediately if:
- The child is under the age of 2
- There is repeated vomiting
- The person is unconscious
- The person has difficulty seeing or hearing
- The person has memory loss
- There is blood
- There is a change in personality
- The person has a seizure
- The pupils are dilated (widened)
- There is a persistent headache
- There is a loss of coordination
If there are none of these symptoms, it is possible it is only a mild injury. Ice can be applied to the injured area to reduce swelling. However, if there is any doubt about the severity of the injury, contact medical personnel immediately.
Treatment and rehabilitation for brain injuries is costly—the annual cost for brain injuries in the U.S. often exceeds $50 billion. Rehabilitation often includes physical therapy, speech therapy and psychological treatment. People who suffer from brain injuries often need occupational therapy as well. Contact an injury lawyer in order to have your questions and financial concerns addressed by a professional.
