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What Most People Don’t Realize About Mild TBIs

Brain Injury
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Primarily caused by blunt force trauma to the head, concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect millions of Americans every year. According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, as many as 3.8 million recreation-related concussions occur in the United States alone – and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there were 2.87 million total TBI-related emergency room visits in 2014.

In spite of these sobering statistics, many people incorrectly believe that mild TBIs are not serious injuries – and this belief is far more common than you might think. When President Trump recently said that 11 U.S. military members injured in Iran were only treated for headaches, several news sources noted that they were actually evaluated for concussion symptoms and potential traumatic brain injuries.

By advising victims of concussion to simply “shake it off” and get some rest, well-intentioned individuals can aggravate the existing injury and cause lasting consequences. At Biren Law Group, our brain injury attorneys have seen firsthand how these attitudes about TBIs can impact injury victims and make it more difficult for them to recover. We believe that by spreading awareness about concussions and the damage they cause, we may be better able to ensure that victims get the care they deserve.

Symptoms of Mild TBI

When measuring the impact of a TBI, physicians use a scale that ranges from “mild” to “catastrophic,” with the latter usually indicating a comatose state. Because of this medical measuring system, many people unfairly assume the term “mild” means insignificant or unimportant. It’s important to keep in mind that any traumatic brain injury involves a degree of brain damage and cell death, and while not all concussions will automatically lead to lifelong health issues, many victims may struggle to recover fully for the rest of their lives.

The signs of a mild TBI can include:

  • Loss of consciousness for a few minutes
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Dizziness, including fainting and loss of balance
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to focus and multi-task
  • Tinnitus, or ringing of the ears
  • Severe headaches and migraines
  • Mood and personality changes
  • Extreme light sensitivity
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Blurred vision

What Are the Consequences of Mild TBI?

If untreated, many of the symptoms of concussion can continue indefinitely and develop into post-concussive syndrome – even if the victim is not fully aware that their injury is still causing disruptions. In particular, those who suffer from a more intense concussion may develop psychological problems and mood disorders, making it difficult for them to stick with a single career or succeed in school. A mild TBI may also impact the victim’s ability to create and retain memories in the future, and cause continual headaches and migraines.

Contrary to popular belief, concussions can still have a lifelong impact when the victim is younger, as the brain is still not fully-formed at the time of the injury and may be structurally changed by the damage. However, older brains are also less elastic, making it harder for the brain to repair itself. That means injury victims of any age should seek medical attention if their concussions symptoms are severe or continue to cause problems after a week.

On Your Side After an Injury

When you develop a mild traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for your lifelong medical expenses and therapy bills in the aftermath. By filing a personal injury lawsuit and pursuing compensation for your losses, you will be more likely to have peace of mind for the future. With more than half a billion dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, the award-winning attorneys at Biren Law Group are ready to offer our support and advocacy for your claim.

Call (310) 896-4345 today for a consultation!

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