What You Need to Know About TBIs and Your Health
Traumatic brain injuries are common, with millions of Americans suffering from the condition. While they can range in severity, many require medical attention, including hospitalization. Individuals who sustain a TBI as a result of another person’s negligence are strongly encouraged to consult an experienced attorney.
At Siegel & Coonerty, we provide focused representation for TBI survivors and their families. We understand the complexities of these types of injuries and will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact our office at (212) 532-0532 for a free consultation.
Here are 5 facts that you may not know about traumatic brain injuries:
- You May Not Lose Consciousness
It is a common misconception that a person must lose consciousness in order to have suffered a serious brain injury. In fact, many signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be obvious. However, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately after any fall or blow to the skull and to receive a second opinion.
Our office represented Carmine and his family after their father suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from medical malpractice. It took nearly two weeks for Carmine’s father to feel the effects of the fall, and he never lost consciousness. After bouts of disorientation, he went to the hospital, where doctors told him he needed surgery. The surgery resulted in paralysis on his father’s right side, loss of memory, and a diminished quality of life.
- TBI Survivors Should Limit Screen Time During Recovery
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), limiting screen time may help speed recovery after a traumatic brain injury. The CDC also recommends avoiding loud music before bed and sleeping in a dark room to aid in recovery.
- Vision Problems Are Common After a TBI
Research suggests that over 90% of people who sustain a traumatic brain injury have some form of visual impairment. It is essential to have any vision problems assessed immediately by an optometrist or other specialist.
Vision problems that may occur after a TBI include:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Blindness in one or both eyes
- Decreased peripheral vision
Even mild TBIs or concussions can cause vision dysfunction. It can easily be overlooked and may get worse over time.
- Age May Increase Your Risk for a Concussion
The CDC notes that older adults may be at a greater risk for concussions since they are more prone to falls. Traumatic brain injuries are often misdiagnosed in older adults as well, causing serious complications. It is crucial to have your loved one checked by a physician immediately after a fall or other sudden impact to the head.
- There Are 176 TBI-Related Deaths Every Day in the U.S.
It is estimated that a person in the U.S. sustains a traumatic brain injury every nine seconds. Over 64,000 people die each year from TBIs, equating to approximately 176 TBI-related deaths every day. The condition is widespread and, in some cases, preventable.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
At Siegel & Coonerty, we proudly represent traumatic brain injury survivors nationwide. Our dedicated legal team has recovered millions on behalf of our clients and their families. If you have sustained a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact our office at (212) 532-0532 for a free consultation.
