5 Signs You May Have Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most serious types of injuries you can suffer in an accident is a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury typically results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. Whereas a mild TBI can impact your brain cells temporarily, a more serious TBI can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain.
Unfortunately, unlike most other serious injuries, the symptoms of a head injury or TBI may not be readily noticeable. This makes it imperative to remain vigilant of any signs or symptoms that may indicate any type of head injury.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and display any of these symptoms, it is important to immediately seek medical attention.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Any type of head injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological impacts. Some signs and symptoms appear immediately following the traumatic event, while others may take days or even weeks to surface.
Depending on the severity of your head injury, the signs and symptoms can differ.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Some common signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems with speech
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light
- Depression, anxiety or difficulty sleeping
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
A moderate to severe TBI can include any of the signs and symptoms of a mild injury, as well as more serious symptoms that generally appear within the first hours to days of an accident:
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent headache or worsening headache
- Clear fluids draining from the ears
- Convulsion or seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Profound confusion
- Slurred speech
- Coma and other disorders of consciousness
It should be noted that the terms “mild”, “moderate” or “severe” are only used to describe the impact of the brain injury on brain function. Just because a head injury is termed “mild” does not mean that it is not serious or that you shouldn’t immediately seek medical attention.
When to See a Doctor
You should always see a doctor as soon as possible if you have received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioral changes. You should seek emergency medical care following immediately following an accident if there are signs or symptoms of a TBI.
Call a New Jersey Brain Injury Attorney
If you or someone you know has suffered any type of head injury in an accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, an experienced New Jersey brain injury attorney can help. Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-248-4404 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
