Sometimes the signs of a traumatic brain injury show up weeks after the accident

In many cases, the signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are fairly obvious after an accident. Dizziness, nausea or a head wound may prompt an immediate trip to the hospital or doctor’s office, where a proper TBI diagnosis can happen.

In other cases, the symptoms of TBI do not become evident until days, weeks or even months after the accident. Whatever your situation may be, the important thing to remember is to get a proper medical exam if you suffer any kind of head injury. It is also important to know the symptoms of a TBI in case your symptoms show up later. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• Slowed thinking
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Dilated pupils
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Slow pulse
• Paralysis
• Problems concentrating
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncontrollable urge to sleep (lethargy)
• Memory loss
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of vision
• Change in speech
• Difficulty with muscle control

Determining the proper treatment for a brain injury will depend on multiple factors, including the person’s age and the nature and extent of the injury. Some people will require intensive hospital treatment, while other people may require only rest and medical check-ins. In other cases, the damage is permanent and will affect the victim’s life for years to come.

If the injury was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other costs resulting from the injury. To learn more about pursuing compensation for brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries, please see our Personal Injury Overview.