Brain Injury FAQs

A TBI can present several symptoms. The initial or apparent symptoms following an accident may include unconsciousness, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, headache or vision changes. Other symptoms may be less obvious. These can include difficulty concentrating, problems remembering new information, confusion, mood or personality changes, sleeping more or less than usual, irritability, nervousness, unusual anxiety, sensitivity to light or noise, feelings of sadness, emotional displays, difficulty choosing words, or difficulty performing daily tasks. Family and close friends are often the best people to detect TBI symptoms.

TBI claims are different for several reasons. First, the patient often looks normal. Second, TBI cases are often not diagnosed by the initial medical providers. Third, many people do not understand the problems and treatment associated with a TBI. This includes medical professionals who often do not understand the symptoms or care needed in these specialized injuries. These issues require a skilled attorney who understands the science and advocacy needed to present these claims. At the Blackwell Law Firm blog you will find numerous articles about these unique cases.

Yes. While many TBI patients fully recover, some do not. The term “mild” is often used as a medical description for TBI but it is misleading. A significant percentage of mild TBI patients can experience long-term or permanent problems. These problems can be substantial and can impact the ability of the person to work and live.

Yes. You can have a “normal” CT or MRI scan and still have a mild TBI. At the Blackwell Law Firm blog, we have written numerous articles advocating for emergency rooms to better test and diagnose these possible injuries.

At the Blackwell Law Firm, we have written and discussed this issue on many occasions. Too often, emergency rooms fail to identify or diagnose potential TBI cases. This occurs for a variety of reasons. However, we are encouraged that many emergency rooms are taking positive steps to improve their detection of TBI cases.

Often, the paramedics or emergency room personnel note in the records that the patient did not lose consciousness from the accident. Yet, this is often not accurate. Many patients are dazed and unsure when they are asked that question immediately after a serious trauma. If the person suffered a brief loss of consciousness, they may not even realize it.

While a loss of consciousness is certainly one symptom of a TBI, much of the research indicates it is not necessary. Prior research which we have discussed in articles on the Blackwell Law Firm blog, indicates TBI signs can also include a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented from trauma.

Yes. Traumatic brain injuries can have different causes. A blow or impact to the head can certainly be the cause of a TBI. Yet, it is not necessary. Any trauma that causes the brain to move or impact within the skull can cause a TBI. At the Blackwell Law Firm, we have helped clients who suffered TBI from a forceful movement to the skull in severe car accidents. If you have suffered a traumatic impact to your body, you should pay close attention for the symptoms common in a TBI.