Remember the tragedy of Natasha Richardson<\/a> last year. She fell on a bunny hill while skiing, and then resumed skiing only to succumb to a fatal brain injury. This demonstrated a person can suffer a traumatic brain injury serious enough to kill, and yet function very well for hours and sometimes days afterward.<\/p>\n Early TBI is often not detected<\/a> by traditional MRI or CT scans because the brain actually goes into a hyper-metabolic state as it tries to protect itself after a trauma. There is an uptake of glucose that masks many of the symptoms. But symptoms often worsen over time, causing further injury and brain damage.<\/p>\n Symptoms of traumatic brain injury may not appear for hours or days following a brain injury.\u00a0 Often, they are missed entirely for weeks afterward, because people may look fine on the outside, even though they start acting and feeling differently. Meanwhile, doctors usually tend to the more obvious personal injuries, like broken bones and soft-tissue injuries. It can take months before these people are referred to a specialist for complaints based upon brain injury symptoms.<\/p>\n That being said, it’s important for victims of car and truck accidents to be very aware of how they’re feeling after a crash. Our TBI lawyers<\/a> have listed some of the symptoms of TBI and concussion below, so you can be your own best medical advocate.<\/p>\n Physical:<\/strong> Cognitive:<\/strong> Visit the TBI section in my web site for a more detailed account of traumatic brain injury symptoms<\/a>. There are non-neurological and neurological symptoms, as well as cognitive and behavioral symptoms. TBI may result in physical impairment, but the more common consequences involve the accident victim\u2019s cognition, emotional functioning and behavior.<\/p>\n Concussions, or closed-head injuries<\/a>, on the other hand, are a little more clear-cut.<\/p>\n Immediate:<\/strong> Later signs:<\/strong> As you can see, many of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury are the same as a concussion. If you are noticing these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor and a neurologist.<\/p>\n If you have been in a car accident<\/a> and suspect you have a traumatic brain injury, you can always call Michigan Auto Law for a free consultation, at (800) 777-0028. Our lawyers will fight to protect you, and help get you the care needed to put the pieces back together.<\/p>\n –\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steven M. Gursten<\/a> is a member of the American Association for Justice Traumatic Brian Injury Group and the Sarah Jane Brain Project. Steve received a trial verdict of $5.65 million for a TBI victim; the largest reported auto negligence verdict in Michigan for the year.<\/em><\/p>\n – Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by skidrd<\/em> Steps TBI Victims Must Take After a Car Accident in Michigan<\/a><\/p>\n What is Traumatic Brain Injury?<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.michiganautolaw.com\/auto-lawyers-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/symptoms-of-tbi-and-concussion-300x177.jpg\" "\\"symptoms-of-tbi-and-concussion\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nCommon Symptoms of TBI<\/h3>\n
\n* Chronic headaches or neck pain;
\n* Feeling exhausted all the time;
\n* Mood changes;
\n* Changes in sleep patterns;
\n* Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance;
\n* Nausea;
\n* Increased sensitivity to lights and sounds;
\n* Blurred vision or tired eyes;
\n* Loss of sense of smell or taste; and
\n* Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus.<\/p>\n
\n* Difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions;
\n* Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting or reading;
\n* Getting lost or easily confused;
\n* Difficulty focusing;
\n* Depression; and
\n* Anxiety.<\/p>\nSymptoms of a Concussion<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Loss of consciousness;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Impaired attention: vacant stare, delayed responses;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Slurred or incoherent speech;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lack of coordination;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Disorientation;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emotional reactions out of proportion; and
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Memory problems.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chronic headache;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dizziness\/vertigo;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Poor attention and concentration;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Memory problems;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nausea or vomiting;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fatigue easily;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Irritability;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intolerant of bright lights and loud noises;
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Anxiety\/depression; and
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Disturbed sleep.<\/p>\n
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\nRelated information:<\/strong><\/p>\n