Any head injury should be taken seriously. A blow to the head can cause a range of traumatic brain injuries, from mild concussions to potentially life-threatening brain bleeds. One of the biggest dangers is that symptoms do not always appear right away, making it easy to underestimate the severity of the injury.
Recognizing the warning signs of a brain bleed as soon as possible is critical. Prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Understanding what symptoms to look for after a head injury can help you take the right steps to protect your health and well-being.
What Is a Brain Bleed?
A brain bleed, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain leaks or ruptures. This causes blood to begin pooling in the brain, which puts pressure on the brain tissue and can eventually lead to oxygen deprivation.
Here are some of the most common symptoms you might experience after experiencing a brain bleed:
- Sudden tingling or numbness in your face, arms, or legs
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Severe, persistent headache
- Lack of energy
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision loss
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of consciousness
- Breathing issues
If not addressed promptly, bleeding in the brain can cause the victim to fall into a coma from which they may not wake. Permanent brain damage is also a potential complication of these injuries.
Common Causes of Bleeding in the Brain
Most of the time, direct head trauma is responsible for a brain bleed. Brain injuries due to motorcycle accidents, car accidents, falls, and assaults can all lead to brain bleeds.
Aside from traumatic accidents, these injuries can also arise from medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Even taking certain medications can make you more prone to suffering an intracranial hemorrhage.
Treating a Brain Bleed
The severity of the bleed and its location will determine what the proper treatment should be. Typically, the patient will need medication to address the underlying cause of the bleed. They may also need pain relievers or other drugs.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If there’s a significant buildup of pressure in the brain from the pooling of blood, decompression surgery is usually the best way to resolve it. A craniectomy, in which a surgeon removes a piece of skull, can serve the same purpose. Once the skull is open, the surgeon can take steps to stem the bleeding.
After surgery, proper rehabilitation is critical. It may be necessary for the patient to undergo physical therapy, occupational therapy to manage everyday tasks, and even speech therapy if their speech has been impacted.
Pursuing Compensation After Suffering Head Trauma
Suffering a brain bleed can leave you struggling with all manner of lasting health consequences. If another party was responsible for your injury, consider filing a personal injury claim. These legal actions offer the chance to obtain compensation to cover your medical expenses, along with your lost wages and the emotional harm you’ve suffered.
To have the best possible chance of obtaining the financial assistance you need, it’s important to work with a qualified attorney. With a lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track while they handle the complex legal procedures.
Contact an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A brain bleed is a serious medical emergency, and symptoms may not appear right away. If you notice warning signs after a head injury, seek medical care immediately. If someone else caused your injury, you may also be entitled to compensation.
Contact an Atlanta brain injury lawyer at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for a free consultation
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346
(770) 390-7550