Have a brain injury in South Carolina? South Carolina brain injury lawyers know the details of our state’s personal injury laws. Howell and Christmas brain accident attorneys know that traumatic brain injuries can occur from a variety of different things and can range in seriousness from the mild, which are commonly known as concussions, to the severe. Brain injuries can disrupt the way the brain normally functions and should be taken very seriously and handled with precaution. Sometimes the symptoms of a brain injury show up almost immediately, but in other cases, symptoms may take up to three or four days to appear or worsen with time. This might signify a more serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
According to Dr. Beth Slomine of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, there are many simple precautions that one can take to dramatically reduce their chances of having a brain injury. One should always use seatbelts, airbags, and child restraints while driving in the car, and should also avoid the use of cell phones or other distractions while driving. It is important to wear helmets and other protective gear while participating in sports and physical activities.
If an injury to the head does occur, Dr. Slomine says it is extremely important to seek medical attention if you lose consciousness, are confused, or have physical symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, weakness, numbness, or visual difficulties.
Most symptoms last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks after an injury. These symptoms often respond well to rest and mild analgesics, like Tylenol.
It is important to give yourself enough time to recover. Do not return to physical activities that place you at higher risk for another brain injury until you are symptom-free and able to tolerate exertion without symptoms.
In rare cases, symptoms do not go away and may begin to impact your daily life at home and work. If this happens, you should discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider.
Source: The Baltimore Sun- “Brain injury can be mild or serious”- Sept. 21,2009.