9 Signs of an Invisible Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are often referred to as the “invisible injury”; this is due to the fact that brain injuries are often not immediately apparent, barring visible blood, swelling, or long periods of unconsciousness. However, just because a brain injury does not present with these symptoms does not mean that a serious injury hasn’t occurred.

In fact, it is not uncommon for someone to go to the emergency room following an accident, have their immediately visible injuries treated, and return home without any idea that they suffered a brain injury. When this happens, the injury often manifests in other ways that may be subtle or extreme, but are often not overtly physical. Loved ones are often the first to notice these symptoms as brain injuries can manifest in behavioral and mood changes the injury victim might not notice on their own. If you suspect that you or a loved one suffered an invisible brain injury, seek medical care as soon as possible and consider talking to an attorney if the injury occurred due to another party’s negligence.

9 signs that someone is struggling with an invisible brain injury include:

1. Mood swings, including uncharacteristic irritability or aggression
2. Difficulty concentrating
3. Difficulty remembering things
4. Difficulty sleeping or waking up
5. Slurred speech
6. Persistent headaches
7. Depression and anxiety
8. Decreased coordination
9. Seizures or convulsions

Even mild or moderate brain injuries can cause long-lasting damage.

Even mild brain injuries should be taken seriously, especially if it is a repeat injury. Moderate and severe brain injuries can impact a person’s life in the short or long-term, and may even be permanent. It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a non-serious brain injury. The brain is responsible for regulating so much of the body’s function, including a person’s ability to engage in meaningful activities and relationships. Brain injury victims and their families may experience difficulty connecting and interacting the way they did prior to the injury. TBI victims often experience sensitivity to light and sound and may become easily agitated. While these symptoms may fade with time and/or treatment, the struggle that TBI victims and their families deal with should not be overlooked.

Brain injury victims may be eligible to seek compensation for their damages in a personal injury claim.

Brain injuries can impair a victim’s ability to hold a job, complete daily tasks, communicate effectively, and experience life to the fullest with their loved ones. This, in addition to the expenses that come with ongoing medical treatment, is why it’s so important to explore every option for recovery after a TBI. If your injury could have been prevented, it may be possible to file a claim against the negligent party to compensate for a wide variety of damages, financial and emotional.

Reaching out to an experienced brain injury attorney is a great way to determine your options for recovery. In fact, brain injury attorneys can even help identify these invisible injuries by knowing exactly what to look for and helping loved ones notice and document the changes in an injury victim’s behavior and ability. Most of these attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so money does not have to be a concern in this area.

To learn more about what signs to look for following a potential brain injury, or for help filing a claim, reach out to an experienced brain injury attorney in your area.