Many of us assume that to suffer a traumatic brain injury or concussion, we must lose consciousness at some point. If you have ever visited a doctor after experiencing a potential concussion, you know that one of the first questions the doctor will ask you is whether or not you lost consciousness. However, it is a common misconception that you need to lose consciousness to suffer a brain injury.
Evidence shows that you can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) even without losing consciousness. If you suspect that you might have suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to seek a thorough medical evaluation, even if you never lost consciousness.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries Other Than Loss of Consciousness
Medical professionals now understand that there are many symptoms of traumatic brain injury other than loss of consciousness. Unfortunately, diagnosing a traumatic brain injury can be challenging, and some doctors failed to properly diagnose traumatic brain injuries that happen without the patient losing consciousness. Symptoms other than loss of consciousness include the following:
- Memory loss
- Visual disturbances
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration or attention
- Seizures
- Depression
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Nausea
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries are often serious, even for those diagnosed with “mild” traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, it can take a patient over 10 years to recover fully from a traumatic brain injury. Even then, they could suffer sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments for the remainder of their life. New evidence also suggests that those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in the future. As mentioned above, many people assume that as long as they did not lose consciousness, their injury is not serious.
Nonetheless, victims of mild traumatic brain injuries often suffer ongoing challenges, and in some cases, they are no longer able to engage in the activities they once loved. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, he or she may not be able to return to work. Many victims of mild traumatic brain injuries have difficulty concentrating or have extensive mood swings, which can make it challenging to stay gainfully employed. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries can have an incredibly negative effect on family relationships. Controlling one’s mood can become extremely challenging, and dampen a person’s relationships with those he or she loves the most.
Seeking Compensation After a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or your loved one’s life has been changed forever because of a traumatic injury, you may have a right to compensation. Under Kansas and Missouri law, victims of personal injury accidents have a right to compensation from the person who caused their injuries. Contact Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for you.
