Brain injuries are among the most serious and life-altering consequences of car crashes, falls, and other traumatic incidents. Unfortunately, brain injuries are not always immediately apparent. While some symptoms appear immediately, others may develop for hours or even days. Left untreated, a brain injury can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
At Russell Law Firm, LLC, our personal injury attorneys represent clients across East Baton Rouge Parish and Louisiana who have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the negligence of others.
Knowing the symptoms of a brain injury is critical for your health and legal case. Below, we outline the warning signs to look for and why prompt medical attention is essential.
Physical Symptoms: More Than Just a Headache
The most immediate symptoms after a blow to the head tend to be physical. These signs can range from mild discomfort to severe and disabling effects.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Persistent headaches or migraines.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fatigue or drowsiness.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
- Ringing in the ears.
These symptoms may seem manageable initially, but can indicate swelling, bleeding, or pressure inside the skull. Even a “mild” concussion requires evaluation by a medical professional to rule out more serious damage.
Cognitive Symptoms: Changes in Thinking or Memory
Brain injuries often disrupt a person’s ability to think clearly, concentrate, or remember things—sometimes subtly, sometimes severely.
Cognitive symptoms may include:
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating.
- Slowed thinking or speech.
- Memory loss (short-term or long-term).
- Trouble following directions or conversations.
These effects can impact daily life, from work performance to personal relationships. If you or a loved one begins to exhibit unusual cognitive behaviors after a crash or fall, it may be a sign of a traumatic brain injury.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms: A Shift in Mood or Personality
Not all brain injury symptoms are physical. Many victims experience emotional and behavioral changes that can be deeply distressing.
Emotional and psychological symptoms may include:
- Irritability or mood swings.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Uncharacteristic aggression or impulsiveness.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities.
Because these symptoms may mimic or worsen existing mental health conditions, they’re often overlooked or misdiagnosed, making it even more important to connect them to a recent injury event.
When to Seek Medical and Legal Help
If you notice any of these symptoms after a car crash, fall, or blow to the head, whether the signs appear right away or days later, get medical help immediately.
Once your condition is stabilized, speaking with a personal injury attorney is equally important. Brain injuries can lead to long-term treatment needs, lost income, and significant lifestyle changes. An experienced legal team can help document your injuries, connect you with medical specialists, and pursue compensation for current and future needs.
Contact Russell Law Firm, LLC
If you or someone you love is showing signs of a brain injury after an accident in East Baton Rouge or anywhere in Louisiana, don’t wait. Contact Russell Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation at 225-307-0088 or online. We’ll help you understand your legal options and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
The Russell Law Firm is in Your Corner, and We Fight to Win.
Information furnished herein is only general and not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Any discussions and photographs herein depict no actual event or scene but merely a dramatization.