What is Considered a Mild TBI?
A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is also known as a concussion. Most people recover from a mild TBI within several weeks, but there are exceptions. For some, a concussion can result in physical, cognitive, and emotional issues for a considerable length of time.
Brain injury severity is partly classified by the amount of time the victim lost consciousness. A person with a mild TBI may not have lost consciousness or was unconscious or disoriented for less than a half-hour. It is vital to see a doctor immediately after any type of head injury involving even brief lost consciousness. The same holds true if the injury causes confusion, disorientation, or amnesia.
Roughly 20 percent of mild TBI victims develop the post-concussion syndrome, in which the debilitating effects of the concussion last six weeks or longer. A Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law helps post-concussion syndrome victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries if the concussion resulted from another party’s negligence or recklessness.
Concussion causes
Any blow to the head can cause a concussion. So can any violent shaking of the head. The most common causes of concussion include:
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports accidents
Concussion symptoms
Suspect concussion after a head injury if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Less frequent symptoms include nausea, light or sound sensitivity, or prolonged confusion. Some people may experience seizures.
Symptoms may appear right away or not become apparent for several hours or days. Often, the victim does not realize they are suffering from a mild TBI. Family members, friends, or colleagues notice that something is not right with the individual and urge them to seek medical attention.
Concussion treatment
Concussion treatment depends on the patient’s specific symptoms. Generally, the person is advised to get plenty of rest, avoid strenuous activities, and perhaps abstain from driving or bicycling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications can usually control discomfort but always consult your physician. Avoid alcohol during recovery.
There is great danger in reinjuring the brain before it fully heals from a concussion. Second impact syndrome, or the reinjury of the brain prior to healing, is usually fatal.
Post-concussion syndrome
Along with other lingering symptoms, those with the post-concussion syndrome may have cognitive issues making it difficult for them to work or perform daily tasks. The memory and thinking problems accompanying post-concussion syndrome can mean an inability to return to work for a significant time period.
A traumatic brain injury attorney helps their client receive payment for medical and other expenses relating to the injury as well as lost wages and loss of future income.
Contact a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer
If you or a loved one are dealing with a post-concussion resulting from an injury caused by the actions or inactions of another entity, you need the services of the dedicated Los Angeles accident lawyers at Ellis Injury Law. Call or text us 24/7 or complete our online form to schedule a complimentary consultation. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation.