The human brain is a source of immense wonder and power for researchers. With the ability to process an immense amount of information quickly as well as control a massive network of nerves and muscles, the abilities it has are truly mind-boggling (if you pardon the pun). However, that being said the brain is also a soft and delicate structure composed of flesh, and injuring it is a risk to humans every single day. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur as a result of a significant impact to the head, such as one created in a car crash, a fall on a hard surface, or being struck by a fast-moving object.
These injuries to the brain have been found to have immense and unpredictable consequences, many of which could be life-altering to the victim and their families. For this reason, we should always make sure to take care of our heads and protect them. Should your brain or the brain of a loved one, ever become injured, it’s important to take this injury seriously and acknowledge the gravity that the condition can carry.
Here are three reasons why you should always treat any head-impact injuries with the utmost caution and seriousness:
- External Injuries Don’t Always Indicate a TBI – If you recently have suffered an impact to your head that resulted in swelling, fractures, or a laceration, you may think that you’ve suffered a concussion or another TBI form as well. However, you may have been fortunate and avoided these entirely. The opposite can be true as well: a seemingly-soft blow that leaves no outward signs of injury could conceal a brain injury that can be extremely harmful if left untreated. Finally, even those who don’t suffer a blow to the head can sustain an injury, such as those who receive whiplash in a car accident.
- Pain & Symptoms Aren’t the Only Indicators of TBI – Hitting your head and then feeling perfectly normal afterward doesn’t mean you have escaped a TBI. Pain and other immediately-visible symptoms are only a few indicators that an injury may have occurred. If you suspect you may have sustained a brain injury, or think there is even a possibility, you should be examined by a professional as soon as possible. Doctors can run diagnostic tests to identify any serious issues you may not be aware of, such as hemorrhaging or a hidden concussion.
- “Minor” Injuries May Not Remain Minor Issues – If left untreated after the injury occurs, even small injuries to the brain can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications. Bleeding in the brain that can occur after a major accident can cause pressure to build within the skull, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Even when everything seems fine, tiny traumas can develop into larger problems, meaning you should be examined by a professional as soon as possible.
The long-term consequences of a TBI can be truly devastating. Studies have shown that concussions and other forms of mild TBI can dramatically increase the chance of Alzheimer’s later in life. It can also lead to your brain losing its abilities to control your bodily functions, and you may find tasks that used to be trivial suddenly become an immense burden to do. The quicker even a mild TBI can be identified and treated, the less likely you will be to experience any symptoms or further complications later in life.
Attorney David C. Rash, P.A. is dedicated to helping those who have suffered a TBI get the help they need. For more than 25 years, Mr. Rash has fought for the rights of injury victims and protected their rights to compensation for injuries that occur through no fault of their own. As a Weston medical malpractice attorney, he understands the importance of quickly and accurately diagnosing brain injuries after they happen to prevent further complications from arising. He also believes each victim deserves a powerful ally on their side, and you never pay a penny unless he is able to recover on your behalf.
Call David C. Rash, P.A. today at 954-914-7116 to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case with our team!