Dealing with immediate results of a loved one being struck by a blow to the head can be stressful by itself. After a slip and fall, a car or motorcycle accident, or a physical altercation, the foremost thought is getting immediate medical treatment for any cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Over time other symptoms may emerge that could be indicative of a traumatic brain injury that could have significant and lasting effects on your loved one’s life going forward.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms can surface through pain like headaches of durations longer than normal. Persistent non-headache pain in a certain part of the head or neck could also arise. There may also be issues that manifest in physical difficulty like ringing in the ears, dizziness, problems with balance, lowered level of coordination, or slurred speech. Sensitivity to light or noise is common, as are vision problems like double vision, or blurred vision. Additionally you may see your loved one deal with nausea and vomiting or have issues with fatigue and reduced energy.
Mental Symptoms
Mental symptoms can emerge in a number of ways that can affect focus such as an inability to concentrate or sudden bouts of confusion. Disorientation – forgetting where they are or how to get home – is relatively common and other issues like not knowing directions or inability to comprehend language can surface as well. Memory impairment is an issue and forgetting simple tasks like tying shoes or buttoning buttons can be make traumatic brain injury obvious to someone looking for the possibility.
Looking at the long list of symptoms above it’s important to remember that every brain injury is different and not all will have the same symptoms. For some only a few may be apparent, while others may exhibit symptoms that aren’t on this list at all. The bottom line is this: If you’re loved one is exhibiting behaviour or feeling discomfort out of the norm after a hit to the head you should take them to see a medical professional immediately.
If you’re loved one does have a brain injury it could require significant resources to get them back on track. If they were injured through the fault of another you should take action and seek legal representation to get restitution for their pain. Call Conte & Associates at 1-877-614-0008. Based in Vaughan and Whitby, Conte & Associates works with clients in Whitby/Oshawa, and in the following cities in Ontario: Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Newcastle, Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Port Perry, Belleville, and Peterborough.
