The brain is responsible for controlling our thoughts, emotions, movement, speech, and more. Any damage to the brain can lead to complications and lifelong impairments. One of these complications is known as secondary brain injury, a serious condition that develops after the initial brain damage.
If you suffered a brain injury, it is critical to take steps to monitor and prevent secondary brain damage. Going to the doctor and receiving prompt medical attention are only some of the ways that you can avoid this dangerous condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury occurs when you suffer a sudden, profound injury to your head. This brain damage can be caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head, violent shaking, or objects that penetrate the skull. Car accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, and other accidents often lead to serious brain injuries.
Symptoms of a brain injury can vary based on the location, severity, and type of damage. Below are some of the most common signs of this dangerous medical condition:
- Persistent headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Speech changes
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Weakness or numbness
What Is Secondary Brain Injury?
After a primary brain injury occurs, the brain starts to experience changes in its tissue, blood vessels, cells, and chemicals. These changes can cause further injury and destruction in the brain and may develop over the minutes, hours, days, or even weeks following the initial damage. This phenomenon is known as secondary brain injury.
How to Prevent Secondary Brain Injury
Secondary brain injuries can lead to disability and even death without treatment. However, early management of these symptoms can help reduce the impact of the condition. Doctors must ensure that the patient gets enough oxygen and maintains stable blood pressure. By stabilizing the patient and monitoring his or her heart rate or blood pressure, the risk of secondary brain injury decreases.Â
What to Do If You Suffer Traumatic Brain Damage
Suffering from traumatic brain damage can be extremely distressing and scary, regardless of whether you experienced a primary or secondary injury. If you suffer any type of injury to the head, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you do not feel any symptoms. Brain injuries may not cause any pain or discomfort for some time following the initial impact.
If someone else was responsible for your brain injury, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. Depending on the cause of your accident, you could file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
After receiving medical care, you should try to gather as much evidence about the accident as you can. Obtain the police report that was taken at the scene of the accident. Collect any photographs or videos from the incident and try to get in touch with any witnesses who saw it happen.Â
Once you have gathered this information, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A Bakersfield TBI lawyer can assess these pieces of evidence and determine whether you have a case. Then, he or she will help you take your first steps toward recovering the compensation that you deserve.