Frequently Asked Questions |
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you think you may need an attorney for such a case in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, [ contact us today ].
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What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
According to the state of Florida, traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury to the brain caused by external force to the skull. TBIs range from mild (or minor) to severe. A person may sustain an injury to the brain without being hit on the head, such as whiplash or shaken baby syndrome. The brain "floats" in a liquid environment inside the skull and therefore is sensitive to sudden movement of the head.
What are the most frequent causes of TBI?
TBI most often results from:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes
- Falls
- Violence and Abuse (including gunshots and child abuse)
- Sports and Recreational Accidents
What are common symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
TBI can affect a person cognitively, physically and emotionally.
Cognitive symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include:
- Short-term memory loss and/or long-term memory loss
- Organizational problems and impaired judgment
- Decreased ability to process information
- Trouble concentrating or paying attention for periods of time
- Difficulty keeping up with a conversation
- Spatial disorientation
- Inability to do more than one thing at a time
Physical symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include:
- Seizures of all types
- Difficulty controlling muscle movement
- Double vision or low vision; even blindness
- Loss of smell or taste
- Speech impairments such as slowed or slurred speech
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue, increased need for sleep
- Balance problems
- General pain
Emotional symptoms of traumatic brain injury may include:
- A lack of initiating activities; or once started, difficulty in completing tasks without reminders
- Increased anxiety
- Depression and mood swings
- Impulsive behavior
- Easily agitated
- Egocentric behaviors--difficulty seeing how behaviors can affect others
How is TBI detected?
The assessment of cognitive and communication problems is a continual, ongoing process that involves a number of professionals. Immediately following the injury, a neurologist or another physician may conduct an informal, bedside evaluation of attention, memory and the ability to understand and speak. Once the person's physical condition has stabilized, a speech-language pathologist may evaluate cognitive and communication skills, and a neuropsychologist may evaluate other cognitive and behavioral abilities. Occupational therapists also assess cognitive skills related to the individual's ability to perform "activities of daily living" (ADL) such as dressing or preparing meals. An audiologist should assess hearing. All assessments continue at frequent intervals during the rehabilitative process so that progress can be documented and treatment plans updated. The rehabilitative process may last for several months to a year.
Is TBI always diagnosed properly?
Some TBI cases are difficult to detect because even a CT scan can show proper brain functioning when there is in fact brain damage. Brain damage is not just a result of unconsciousness, and headaches and mood swings are both symptoms that can come from a closed head injury. Some symptoms may not appear until well after the injury. Often times neurologists reserve their time for only serious head injuries and a regular physician may overlook a problem in a routine office visit.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you think you may need an attorney for such a case in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, [ contact us today ].
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DISCLAIMER - Please note that the answers to these questions should not be construed as legal advice as all situations differ, and you should always consult with a lawyer before making any decisions regarding injury claims or other legal matters referred to herein. These answers are intended to provide general information only. |
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