Posted on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 at 11:40 pm
Millions of Americans suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thousands die from TBI each year while many more people suffer from long-term, debilitating conditions caused by the brain injury. If you can avoid a TBI by reducing your risk of sustaining an injury, you should take steps to do so. The precautions you take could save your life or prevent a lifetime of pain.
What Causes a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI can occur in several ways. A closed head injury can result in TBI. This type of brain injury occurs when the head strikes a hard object, or the head is whipped or jerked violently back and forth. Another cause of TBI is an open head injury where on object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Other causes of TBI include hypoxia (lack of oxygen), violence, infections, tumors, stroke, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
Car accidents and falls are the two most common types of personal injury accidents that can result in TBI. In addition, contact sports, medical malpractice, dog attacks, boating accidents, bicycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents can also result in a TBI.
How Can I Prevent a TBI?
You may not be able to prevent an accident that results in a head injury. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of suffering a brain injury.
- When riding a motorcycle, snowmobile, 4-wheeler, jet ski, or bicycle, always wear a helmet
- If you are horseback riding, skiing, skating, playing a contact sport, rock climbing, or skateboarding, wear helmet
- Always wear a seat belt and make sure children are seated in a child restraint that is designed for their age, weight, and height
- Never drive or boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- When climbing stairs, use the handrails
- Remove tripping or falling hazards such as clutter and rugs
- Use child safety gates to keep children from climbing on or falling down stairs
- Follow all rules at water parks, amusement parks, swimming pools, and other recreational areas
- Supervise children carefully when playing on playground equipment
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
It is always in your best interest to see a physician immediately if you experience a head injury. In some cases, a TBI may not present immediate symptoms; however, it is better for you if a head injury is diagnosed early. Under all circumstances, seek medical attention if you experience any unexplained symptoms or any of the common symptoms of a TBI including:
- Unconsciousness
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Sensory problems (i.e. ringing in the ears, blurry vision, slurred speech, etc.)
- Sleeping problems
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Memory problems
- Mood swings or changes in mood
- Depression or anxiety
- Seizures or convulsions
- Numbness or weakness in fingers or toes
For more symptoms and information about traumatic brain injury, see the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Call a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
If you are injured in an accident that results in TBI, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the negligent party. Call The Sacramento personal injury attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation. Our personal injury law firm represents clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
