Hawaii Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

When you are involved in an automobile collision or another type of serious accident, the chances of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are significant. TBI can occur when you receive a blow to the head that causes the brain to move within the skull. TBIs can be mild—for example, a concussion is a relatively mild form of TBI—or they can be extremely severe.

It is imperative that you understand what symptoms may occur as a result of a TBI so that you can seek medical attention immediately if you see any of the signs.

Some of the symptoms of TBI include:

• Mild TBI: In cases of mild traumatic brain injury, the victim may lose consciousness briefly. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, lightheadedness, and the victim may also show signs of confusion. Other symptoms may include sleepiness or sleeplessness as well as mild vision problems.
• Moderate or severe TBI: Some cases are slightly more severe, and those who have moderate TBI may display some of the same symptoms as those with a mild injury but may also have seizures and other symptoms. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke warns that any symptoms could be a sign of more serious issues, and victims should seek immediate medical attention.

The treatment for TBI varies depending on the severity. In very mild cases, patients will typically be monitored for a period of 24 hours either at home or in the hospital. It is imperative that anyone with any symptoms is seen by a medical professional as quickly as possible because the chance of insufficient oxygen levels could cause further damage.

In more severe cases, the treatment regimen could be far more difficult and may include speech therapy, rehabilitation therapy, and, perhaps, psychological therapy to deal with the challenges that they may face long-term, including personality changes. Severe cases could also add the burden of expensive tests like CAT scans and X-rays to ensure that there are no other physical problems. Unfortunately, nearly one-half of victims will require some type of surgical procedure as well.