A mild traumatic brain injury is still a serious injury

Any blow to the head — whether from a car accident, a fall or some other type of injury — can cause serious and lasting damage. A person should get screened to determine whether or not they have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Because brain injuries are not as visible or easily diagnosed as other injuries, they can go unidentified in an initial medical examination following an accident. This is especially true when patients have other injuries such a fractures or lacerations. Brain injury can occur even without direct trauma, such as the sharp whiplash action of an auto accident. Also, it is possible that your symptoms may not manifest themselves immediately. If you and a friend were both in a car accident and your friend broke his arm while you hit your head, he may be well on his way to recovery while your injury remains untreated.

“Mild” traumatic brain injury is misunderstood

If you think that a mild TBI is not a serious injury, think again. The term “mild TBI” can be misleading Mild traumatic brain injury is only mild compared to a severe TBI, which refers to brain damage that leaves a person who is paralyzed, comatose or severely mentally impaired.

Concussions and post-concussion syndrome can be mild traumatic brain injury. A person may appear normal yet still struggle with symptoms weeks, months or even a year or more later.

Understand the effects of a mild TBI

Any blow to the head, even one you do not remember or that didn’t seem a big deal at the time, can cause mild TBI. This can present itself in many ways. Individually, many of the symptoms do not seem terribly serious, but when they all come together they can be absolutely devastating to one ‘s career or personal life.

Some of the most obvious symptoms can include persistent headaches, nausea, or seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms for long enough, it is easy to see how one might have difficulty coping with them.

However, some of the most destructive symptoms of mild TBI go unnoticed and undiagnosed. You may experience great difficulty concentrating, even on simple tasks you usually do not struggle to complete. You may also feel as though your thoughts are sluggish, or find that you frequently misunderstand someone in a conversation. You may have a general “foggy” feeling or get easily fatigue.

You may also find it difficult to read or write. Some people exhibit changes in their personality or become more irritable or more easily angry than before the accident. Problems with long and short-term memory are common.

If you are unable to concentrate or dependably carry on a conversation, understand others, become irritated and unpleasant at very small disturbances, or experience other personality changes, it is easy to see how your life may come to a grinding halt.

Don’t fight the fight alone

If you suspect that you received a mild TBI, do not hesitate to seek out medical treatment and proper legal guidance. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your injury receives the care that you require, and explore your options for fair compensation.