4 Inconspicuous Brain Damage Signs You Should Never Ignore
While getting his mail, Gerald S.* slipped on a patch of ice and hit his head. Because he was 92, his daughters insisted on taking him to the emergency room. There, the ER staff performed a basic evaluation and released him a few hours later. The attending physician did not tell him to return or follow-up with his regular doctor. A few days later, he became dizzy and disoriented and began slurring his words. This time, tests revealed he had a subdural hematoma (internal bleeding) that was causing pressure on his brain. Because the initial ER team did not recognize the signs of brain damage, he suffered permanent cognitive impairment. Every year in the U.S., approximately 2.6 million people suffer some type of brain injury. Here is an overview of the brain damage signs you should never ignore.
What is Brain Damage?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are usually caused by a forceful blow or jolt to the head or body. These injuries are often caused by auto accidents or falls. Elderly people are more likely to suffer brain damage as the result of a fall than those of a younger generation. A newborn’s delicate brain can also be damaged if a doctor uses forceps or other instruments incorrectly.
People can experience non-traumatic brain damage as a result of a stroke or oxygen deprivation. Newborns who are deprived of oxygen during labor or delivery may be born with cerebral palsy.
Brain damage can be mild or severe. Someone with a mild brain injury may recover completely without surgery or other invasive treatment. Those with serious brain damage may experience long-term or permanent cognitive and/or physical impairments. Some victims will die if the injury is critical enough.
Following is a list of brain damage signs. However, some people don’t have symptoms for days or even weeks after an incident. Therefore, anyone who injures their head should seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Physical Brain Damage Signs
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
- Persistent headache or headache that worsens
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Difficulty awakening from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Sleeping more than usual or difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness or loss of balance
Cognitive or Mental Brain Damage Signs
- Confusion, disorientation
- Agitation, combativeness or other abnormal behavior
- Slurred speech or other speech problems
- Mood changes or mood swings, including uncharacteristic depression or anxiety
- Memory or concentration problems
Sensory Brain Damage Signs
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad or unusual taste in the mouth
- Changes in the ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Brain Damage Signs in Infants and Children
Infants and young children are often unable to communicate what they’re feeling. Here are some of the signs that indicate a child may have brain damage:
- Changes in eating or nursing habits
- Unusual irritability
- Persistent crying, inability to be consoled
- Inability to pay attention
- Changes in sleep habits, sleeping more than usual or difficulty sleeping
- Seizures
- Moody, depressed or anxious
- Persistent drowsiness
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
If you or a loved one has brain damage as a result of medical negligence, call us immediately. Our experienced malpractice lawyers will make sure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.
Medical malpractice law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-MALPRACTICE today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
*Name has been changed to preserve confidentiality.
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