Traumatic brain injuries have been on the rise in the US for the past several years. Over two million potential brain injury cases are seen in emergency rooms each year for falls which contribute to such injuries, but car accidents are one of the leading causes too, as well as other traffic incidents such as motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents.

Medications Often Behind Greater Head Injuries During Accidents

More people are traveling on the roads today, which unfortunately leads to more accidents—and more head injuries like concussions and TBIs. Sporting accidents (often football or basketball especially) are often to blame for such traumas too, and in some cases, athletes may experience repeated blows to the head, raising extreme cause for concern. Today, however, some medical professionals point out that they are seeing more TBIs from falls that may often seem less serious but turn into serious problems if older patients are on medications that cause other issues; for instance, if someone falls and they are on an anticoagulant, there is a much greater chance for a brain bleed. Medications in general can cause a patient’s fall to become more serious if they are already feeling disoriented or off balance.

Traumatic Brain Injuries May Be Difficult to Diagnose at First

A TBI may not always be immediately apparent, which can make diagnosis difficult in the beginning. In more severe cases, it could be obvious something is wrong as the individual is knocked unconscious, goes into a coma immediately, or has seizures. Whether the injury is moderate or severe, symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to extreme moodiness, lack of ability to sleep or oversleeping, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and more. Children may exhibit the same types of symptoms if they have experienced a head injury but may require more attentiveness and monitoring in diagnosis if they are not old enough to talk or explain how they are feeling physically.

The outcome for the patient with a TBI is usually better if a fast diagnosis is made by medical professionals. Diagnostic tools include MRIs and CTs as well as tests to evaluate the patient’s coordination. Treatments vary, but can be used to help with ongoing pain, seizures, and help prevent further damage to the brain.

Contact Us for Help Now!

If you or your child have experienced a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of others, contact the attorneys at Heintz Law. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.