Jill Kolodner | December 2, 2020 | Brain Injuries
Blunt force head trauma can cause permanent brain damage and impairments. Unfortunately, many people may not realize they sustained a severe brain injury immediately after a blunt force head trauma. A person might not experience symptoms for a few hours or days after the head injury, and there may not be significant signs of injury to the head.
For that reason, it is important that victims of accidents and other incidents that can cause blunt force head trauma to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A physician can evaluate the person to determine the severity of any damage caused by the blunt force head trauma.
How Can Blunt Force Cause Brain Injuries?
Any blow to the head can cause a brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from blunt force head trauma can be mild. A mild TBI can heal within a few weeks.
However, the blunt force can also cause a moderate to severe TBI. This type of brain injury can result in permanent cognitive, physical, emotional, and other impairments.
A blow to the head can cause injuries to several areas of the brain. The blunt force can cause brain damage directly under the impact to the head. The blow can cause bleeding, swelling, and other damage.
However, the blow to the head can cause the brain to shift within the skull violently. The brain strikes the skull on the opposite side of the blow, causing a second brain injury.
Diagnosing Blunt Force Head Trauma
A person who receives a blow to the head may experience immediate symptoms of blunt force head trauma. Some individuals may notice brain injury symptoms in the hours or days following the blow to the head. For some people, symptoms might be mild and grow worse.
Because it can be difficult to know whether you sustained brain damage from blunt force head trauma, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms that could indicate you have sustained brain damage include, but may not be limited to:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Any loss of consciousness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Inability to stay awake or trouble waking up
- Fatigue
- Problems with attention, focus, concentration, or memory
- Seizures or convulsions
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities
A physician examines a patient to assess their abilities in several areas when diagnosing blunt force head trauma. Doctors generally begin with the Glasgow Coma Scale. They may also order speech, neuropsychological, language, and cognitive tests to determine the severity of the brain damage.
Imagining tests can also be useful in diagnosing blunt force head trauma. A doctor might order an MRI or CT scan.
Treating Blunt Force Head Trauma
The severity, symptoms, and location of the brain injury impact blunt force head trauma treatments. Mild cases of brain damage may heal with just rest and time. However, more severe cases of TBI could require more extensive medical intervention and treatment.
A variety of medications might be used to treat symptoms. In severe cases, surgery could be required to reduce swelling or stop bleeding in the brain. After the patient is stable, he may require occupational, physical, speech, and other therapies to recover from blunt force head trauma.
The cost of treating blunt force head trauma and the resulting brain damage can be expensive. You might be able to receive reimbursement for your medical bills if another party’s negligence or wrongdoing was the cause of your blunt force head trauma.
Causes of Blunt Force Head Trauma
Numerous accidents and situations can lead to blunt force head trauma. Any situation in which a blow, jolt, or bump to the head can occur could result in a severe brain injury.
Common causes of blunt force head trauma include:
- Bicycle accidents
- Assaults and other acts of violence
- Boating accidents
- Car accidents
- Dog attacks
- Motorcycle crashes
- Nursing home abuse
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective products
If your accident occurred on another party’s property or another person caused your injury, you could receive compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury claim. The compensation you might receive could include money for your medical bills, physical injuries, loss of income, suffering, pain, and other damages.
However, your time to file a personal injury claim is limited by Maryland’s statute of limitations. If you want to speak with a personal injury lawyer about filing a claim, it is best to do so as soon as possible. An attorney can help you take the necessary steps to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact the Baltimore Brain Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore brain injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyer – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
