Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that as many as 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year, and hundreds of thousands more sustain concussions. Both concussions and traumatic brain injuries can be caused by blunt force trauma, a closed impact between the head and some other object.
The frequency with which these injuries happen can make it seem like a blunt force head injury is not a serious matter. Not only should blunt force trauma injuries warrant a trip to the doctor or hospital, but when it is left untreated, severe blunt force trauma can lead to irreversible brain damage and disability.
Common Causes of Blunt Force Head Trauma
Sports-related injuries sustained in contact sports like football and soccer account for millions of concussions each year, but they are not the only way to sustain blunt force trauma to the head and brain.
Other ways you can sustain this type of injury include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents and truck wrecks
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights, such as from ladders, scaffoldings, and stairs
- Bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents and being hit on the head by falling objects
- Criminal acts
Of these causes, falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of blunt force trauma.
Blunt Trauma Symptoms and Signs You Should Not Ignore
Being hit in the head or knocking your head against some other object is a common, everyday occurrence. Sometimes, you do not need any more attention beyond an ice pack and over-the-counter pain medicine. However, if you notice significant blunt force trauma symptoms, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Blunt force head trauma symptoms and signs that your head injury is more than superficial include:
- Losing consciousness, even for a brief period of time
- A headache that persists, intensifies, or comes and goes
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
When any of these symptoms of blunt force trauma are present, getting prompt medical care is one of the most important things you can do to minimize potential long-term damage.
How Brain Damage and Blunt Force Head Trauma Are Diagnosed
When you go for a medical evaluation, medical professionals have several tools available to them to assist them in determining how serious your head trauma is. A medical provider will listen to your symptoms and your recollection of how your head injury occurred. Your provider may also perform a physical examination to check your coordination and motor skills.
Medical imaging is one of the most accurate tools available for your doctor to see what, if any, damage was done to your brain. If such trauma is discovered, your medical team will decide on a course of treatment based on these images.
Long-Term Effects of Blunt Force Head Trauma
A blow to the head with sufficient force can cause long-term brain damage that cannot be repaired. Such harm will likely impact your quality of life and your ability to work in the future.
This is because some of the lasting impacts of a brain injury could include:
- Memory loss
- Changes in attitudes and behavior
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty focusing on tasks and making decisions
- Impaired judgment
Due to these effects, some of which may be permanent and progressive, injury victims may seek damages for their immediate expenses and those they can reasonably expect to need in the future.
Blunt Force Trauma To the Head Can Cause Serious Injuries
If you or a loved one suffers a blow to the head that results in one or more blunt trauma symptoms, do not ignore your injury. Head trauma of any sort is not to be treated lightly, as it can lead to significant and permanent brain damage.
Where such head trauma happens because of another’s carelessness, obtaining fair compensation requires you to file a claim for damages to cover your existing and future needs.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Law Firm For Help Today
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, GA, please call Malone Law at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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