Brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can sustain in an accident. Brain injuries can result in life-altering, permanent disabilities. Unfortunately, brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose, especially blunt force head trauma.

A person can sustain a traumatic brain injury without realizing they have sustained an injury to the brain. In many closed head injuries, including blunt force head trauma, there may not be any outward signs of injury.

Bruises may develop, but that could take some time. Until a person develops symptoms of a blunt force head trauma, the person may not know an injury occurred.

Click for free case review

Symptoms of a Blunt Force Head Trauma

The symptoms of blunt force trauma vary. Symptoms may be mild, and some people may assume they merely have a headache or are suffering from the shock and aftermath of an accident. Other individuals may experience immediate and severe symptoms.

Symptoms of a blunt force head trauma are:

  • Loss of consciousness (not required for a head trauma)
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Confusion
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Problems with attention, memory, concentration, or thinking
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Inability to wake up or stay awake
  • Loss of coordination or balance
  • Numbness or weakness in the extremities

If you or a family member experiences any symptoms after a head trauma, immediate medical attention may be necessary to prevent further injury or death. When the blunt force head trauma occurred because of an accident, documentation of the injury is required to win a personal injury case.

How Are Blunt Force Head Traumas Diagnosed?

Doctors perform a variety of tests to diagnose blunt force head traumas. Symptoms are one indication that a person sustained a head injury. A physician may begin by evaluating the patient on the Glasgow Coma Scale.

The Glasgow Coma Scale “scores” the patient based on the patient’s ability to function in three key areas. The lower the score, the more severe the brain injury.

Imaging tests can be used to view the damage to the brain tissue and assess whether there could be bleeding within the brain. MRIs and CT scans of the brain can produce detailed images that assist doctors in diagnosing a brain injury.

Doctors may also perform a variety of neuropsychological, language, cognition, and speech tests to determine the level and severity of a brain injury.

If there appears to be swelling in the brain, the doctor may insert a probe through the skull. Swelling from a blow to the head can cause additional injury to the brain. A shunt is sometimes used to reduce the pressure inside the skull.

Treating Blunt Force Head Traumas

The treatment of a blunt force head trauma depends on the area of the brain that was injured and the severity of the injury. Some cases may require minimal medical intervention. With rest and time, the brain may heal itself.

However, some patients may require extensive treatment for a blunt force head trauma. Depending on the type of brain damage and the severity of the damage, surgical intervention may be required. A variety of medications may be prescribed to treat the damage, including:

  • Stimulants
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Anticoagulants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Antidepressants

The long-term complications and permanent impairments caused by blunt force head trauma may require physical therapy and occupational therapy. The person may need to learn how to perform specific tasks again or differently.

Counseling may also be necessary to help a person learn to cope with the changes in their life caused by a brain injury. Cognitive therapy can help when learning, judgment, and attention are impaired because of a blunt force head trauma.

How Do Blunt Force Head Traumas Occur?

Many situations can cause a blunt force head trauma. Any blow, bump, or jolt to the head can lead to brain injuries. Causes of brain injury caused by blunt force trauma include:

If another party is responsible for causing your injury, that person could be held liable for damages and losses caused by the blunt force head trauma. In addition to the medical expenses and personal care that might be necessary to treat the injury, you may also lose substantial income because you are unable to work.

A personal injury claim against the party who caused your brain injury can result in compensation for your financial damages. It can also compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by a blunt force head injury. The money cannot change what has happened, but it can provide the means for you to take care of yourself and your family after a tragic accident that was not your fault.

Click for free case review