In many instances, the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are immediate—loss of consciousness, bleeding, and blurred vision are just some of the most prevalent and obvious signs after a traumatic event.
However, there are often cases where initial signs of TBI may not manifest until days, weeks, or even months after the injury. Other times, certain symptoms may be more mild or subtle and go undetected until they become more pronounced. This is why brain injuries are known as an “invisible” epidemic.
Recognizing the Delayed Signs of TBI
Recognizing the late-onset signs of brain injuries is vital to ensuring the individual’s long-term recovery. Keep in mind that every brain injury is different, so not everyone experiences the same degree or types of symptoms.
However, depending on the severity of the TBI, there are certain delayed warning signs to always keep your eye out for:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Memory changes
- Mood changes
- Changes in or loss of smell/taste
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor concentration
- Loss of balance
- Light sensitivity
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
- Emotional problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings
- Amnesia
- Paralysis
- Spinal fluid coming from ears and nose
- Numbness in limbs
- Slurred speech or inability to speak
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Coma
The Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
The time after an accident is precious, both when it comes to your health and ability to successfully pursue a personal injury claim. Regardless of the severity of a TBI, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately.
Even if you don’t think that you are injured, you should seek medical treatment after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or slip and fall, as soon as possible. This way, a doctor can run the proper tests to either diagnose or rule out the possibility of a brain injury.
Some diagnostic tools a doctor may utilize to detect or diagnose TBI include:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- Speech and language tests
- Cognitive or neurological exams
When a TBI goes undiagnosed and a person does not receive medical advice or treatment, they may return to their everyday activities (such as sports) and put themselves at risk of worsening their condition. Additionally, an undiagnosed brain injury can lead to secondary conditions and additional health consequences.
Lastly, getting medical attention for even a potential brain injury can actually improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation when you file a personal injury claim. In order to do so successfully, you must prove that your brain injury was the direct result of the accident that you were involved in.
If you wait an extended period of time to get your brain injury diagnosed, the insurance company may attempt to claim that there is insufficient evidence to link your injury to the accident and deny your claim altogether. Do not put yourself at risk of having to pay for something you may not be able to afford.
Get a Legal Advocate on Your Side
It’s hard to put a price on the long-term impacts of a traumatic brain injury. Nonetheless, if you or a loved one sustained a TBI in an accident that was the result of another person’s negligence, you deserve to be properly compensated for what you have been through.
Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys are here to provide you with the support and care you need to get through these difficult times. We will fight hard for your individual needs and compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional wounds.
Make the first step towards healing by calling Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen at (702) 505-8115 at your earliest convenience. We offer no-fee, no-obligation initial case reviews.