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Home » Philly Injury Blog » Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Brain Injury?

Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury

Imagine: Your child is playing soccer with some of the neighborhood kids in your backyard. They’re having a fun time when your child collides with another player and gets hit in the head. A few hours later, your child complains of a headache. Then, nausea and vomiting start. You drive to the emergency room and find out your child has a concussion. The warning signs of a brain injury are there, did you notice them?

 

do you know the warning signs of a brain injury?

Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat roughly 473,947 children for head injuries. These children range in age from 0 to age 14. Organized youth sports leagues check for concussions after players hit their head. This isn’t the case for a pick-up game of soccer between the neighborhood kids. Parents and caretakers need to be aware of the warning signs of a traumatic brain injury.

What is a Brain Injury?

A brain injury happens when the head is hit with force. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when the head is hit with sudden force. A violent blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. An object penetrating the brain tissue can also cause a traumatic injury. Reference: Mayo Clinic

If you don’t know what the warning signs of a brain injury or concussion are, then it’s important to learn. Checking for a brain injury is crucial after someone hits their head. Learn some of the common symptoms of a brain injury below.

sports related brain injury - soccer player

Warning Signs of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries can have both psychological and physical effects. This makes them different from almost all other injuries.

Symptoms of a brain injury can include the following:

  • Unconsciousness

  • Headache

  • Trouble Thinking or Remembering

  • Nausea or Vomiting

  • Dizziness

  • Problems Sleeping

  • Vision and/or Hearing Impairment

  • Slurred Speech

  • Changes in Moods/Emotions

Now, let’s discuss each brain injury symptom in better detail below:

Unconsciousness

Depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury (TBI), unconsciousness will vary. Unconsciousness may last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours. It could even last more than a day. Not everyone with a TBI loses consciousness. Note that you may not become unconscious at all with a mild TBI or concussion.
Mild TBI: 0 – 30 min
Moderate TBI: 30 min – 24 hours
Severe TBI: More than 24 hours

Headache

A headache is one of the most common symptoms of a TBI. A headache may be persistent or get worse over time.

Trouble with thinking or remembering

You may become confused, disoriented, or feel “foggy” after hitting your head. In some cases, you may have memory loss and not remember the cause of the injury. A TBI can also lead to trouble with concentration.

Nausea or vomiting

Vomiting or a queasy stomach after a head injury is a sign of something more serious.

Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded if you have a head injury. This includes having problems with balance.

Issues with sleeping

Brain injuries can cause changes in sleep patterns. This could mean either sleeping less or more than usual. You may also have trouble falling asleep.

Problems with Vision or Hearing

You may have blurred vision or ringing in the ears following a brain injury. You may also be sensitive to light and sound.

Slurred speech

After a brain injury, others may have difficulty understanding what you are saying.

Changes in Emotions or Moods

A brain injury can lead to mood swings. You may feel irritable, depressed, or anxious.

All the above symptoms do not have to be present for a brain injury to have occurred. These warning signs can exist in mild, moderate and severe brain injuries. Symptoms will be more serious and longer-lasting in moderate and severe brain injuries. Some symptoms may be noticeable immediately, while others have a delayed onset. It can take several days or weeks before some symptoms appear.

symptoms-child-brain-injury

Warning Signs of a Brain Injury or Concussion in Young Children

Infants, toddlers, and other young children may not be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong. You won’t know if they have blurry vision, a headache, or if they feel confused. It’s important to be especially observant after your child hits his or her head. Look for the following signs:

  • Change in eating habits

  • Persistent crying

  • Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities

  • Unsteady walking

  • Appearing dazed

  • Tiring easily

  • Crankiness

What To Do If You Suspect a Brain Injury

If you or someone else has a traumatic head injury, get medical help immediately. You should always seek medical evaluation after a head injury, even if symptoms seem mild. It’s important for you to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper care. If you are the victim, do not drive yourself to the hospital. You could put others in danger. Have someone else drive or call an ambulance.

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, and Marlton, NJ

You may feel overwhelmed after you or a loved one experience a TBI. These injuries can be life-changing and are expensive to care for. When your injury is caused by the negligence of another, you shouldn’t have to pay the medical bills. You shouldn’t have to lose income because of missed work. Philadelphia and New Jersey traumatic brain injury attorneys at Kane & Silverman fight to get money for you. For a free evaluation of your case, call or text us at 215-232-1000 or fill out our contact form online.