The brain is the body’s control center for all bodily functions and the center for our thoughts, memories, mood, and personality. When the brain suffers an injury, it can have serious temporary or permanent effects. It’s crucial to seek a medical assessment if you’ve experienced a head injury, such as a blow to the head or a violent shake. But is losing consciousness the only indicator of a brain injury, or can you still have a brain injury even if you remained conscious?
Reach out to our Chicago brain injury attorney to schedule a free consultation with Smith LaCien LLP.
Losing consciousness after a head injury is a red flag that you may have sustained a brain injury ranging from a mild concussion to a more severe injury with the possibility of permanent impairment; however, not all brain injuries result in the loss of consciousness at the scene.
Many brain injuries don’t fully develop symptoms immediately. Instead, symptoms develop over the hours or days after the trauma as bleeding and inflammation occur inside the brain or between the brain and the skull. Swelling and bruising can damage or destroy sensitive brain cells. In addition, when blood slowly leaks from broken vessels inside the brain, it causes a toxic reaction that destroys cells and impairs function.
Signs and symptoms of brain injuries that don’t involve losing consciousness include the following:
If you or a loved one develops any of these symptoms during the hours or days after a head injury or car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Then, follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Keep copies of all medical bills and receipts for related expenses, since this becomes evidence of your damages later in a claim against the responsible party.
The brain is sensitive to injuries despite the protection of the bony skull and cushioning layer of fluid. A forceful blow, strike against the ground during a fall, or strong shake or jarring motion from a car accident or sports injury can cause the brain to twist or bump against the inside of the skull, tearing tiny blood vessels and causing bruising, swelling, and bleeding inside the brain.
Common causes of brain injuries include the following:
A brain injury can have serious consequences, sometimes long-term or lifelong effects. Some brain injury effects can be reduced with prompt medical treatment. It’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible after head trauma or a suspected brain injury.
When the brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, seeking medical care right away also provides evidence that the injury was caused by the other party’s careless or reckless action. This evidence is beneficial to a brain injury compensation claim against the at-fault party. If your brain injury was worsened due to medical malpractice, contact our medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago today.
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