Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Tim has published an article for the Kentucky Justice Association on traumatic brain injury, The Neuropsychologist and Traumatic Brain Injury, The Advocate, July/Aug. 2005.

A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

Anyone with signs of moderate or severe TBI should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Moderately to severely injured patients receive rehabilitation that involves individually tailored treatment programs in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, physiatry (physical medicine), psychology/psychiatry, and social support. Diagnostic testing, through neuropsychological testing, is helpful in proving the existence of a TBI. Such testing can be ordered through medical providers, or if necessary, provided in furtherance of a client suffering a suspected TBI as a case expense. If you or a loved one have suffered or believe you may have suffered a brain injury in a motor vehicle or other accident, contact us as soon as is possible. If we can help, we want to help.

If you’ve been injured, call now and get the justice you deserve.