What to Do if You Suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury

The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, defines a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, as a blow, jolt, or other injury to the head that disrupts the functioning of the brain. Certainly, not all strikes to the head cause traumatic brain injuries, but if you or someone you care for is in a position where it is likely to happen, then you should be aware of its symptoms and care options.

There are different levels of severity for traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild to severe. At the severe end of the spectrum, TBIs can cause serious problems for a long time.

A traumatic brain injury can cause any of the following symptoms: sleeplessness, change in vision, lack of balance, lack of concentration, and ringing in the ears. You do not necessarily have a TBI just because you get a headache from getting hit in the head. But if you have a persistent headache after getting struck in the head, then it is a possibility.

Recovering from a TBI may require you to do (or not do) a few things. Getting a lot of sleep is first on the list. Recovering from a TBI requires lots of extra sleep time for your brain to heal itself. While you are suffering from a traumatic brain injury, you should absolutely avoid any kind of activity that may give you another one. If you play a sport, for example, wait until you are completely healed. The same goes for your work if you are any kind of dangerous profession. You should also avoid alcohol, as this will slow down your recovery. In general, avoid any kind of dangerous situation and give yourself plenty of time to recover, which means lots of rest.

This is a subject the American military is certainly interested in because of the increased risk of soldiers suffering TBIs from explosions and other war-related events. But just because you are not in the military does not mean that it can't happen to you. Another group of people who are at a higher risk of suffering TBIs is the elderly. It also helps if you are a woman, as men have a 50% greater chance of receiving a TBI.

Getting your head injured does not have to cause you long-term suffering. However, it is important that TBI victims slow their pace and do things more deliberately, giving themselves plenty of time to heal. A leisurely approach to getting back to normal is the key.

Josh Myers Law is a Missouri law firm that specializes in personal injury accidents, including those involving traumatic brain injuries. If you are injured in an accident, don't let yourself be at the mercy of the insurance companies! Talk to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer that has the specialized training to handle cases involving serious injury. Visit www.joshmyerslaw.com to arrange a free consultation.