The science surrounding mild traumatic brain injury is always developing. We now know that injury to the brain can occur in situations where we previously would not expect it. The old view that you were simply ‘shaken up’, or ‘had your bell rung’ is giving way to an understanding that brain injury can occur even without actually hitting your head.
Unfortunately, mild traumatic brain injuries are a common occurrence in vehicle accidents. When we realize that concussion is also a form of brain injury, the prevalence of brain injury is worrying.
The symptoms of brain injury can range from severe physical impairments to more subtle cognitive and behavioural impairments:
Physical:
- dizziness;
- speech problems;
- vision problems;
- problems with smell;
- headaches;
- balance problems;
- sleep disruption;
Cognitive:
- loss of ability to focus and concentrate;
- short-term memory loss;
- difficulty planning and organizing;
Behavioural:
- personality changes;
- moodiness or unusual emotional behaviour;
- difficulty coping;
- loss of motivation;
- fatigue.
When you have a brain injury you often do not realize that you are acting differently than before your accident. It is usually friends, co-workers, and loved ones that notice these changes.
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder following an accident can further complicate your brain injury symptoms.
You require a team of medical specialists to determine the extent of your injury and help you with your ongoing challenges. Often in the public system, you do not have access to these doctors. Our medical team includes a neurologist, a neuropsychologist, a physiatrist (expert in physical and rehabilitation medicine), an occupational therapist, and usually a psychiatrist and/or counselor. We also have access to the most advanced diagnostic tools. Together, our specialists will give you the best medical treatment possible.
Because brain injury cases are complex, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you get your life back.