Blunt force head trauma is an injury that happens when a person’s head impacts a hard object or surface. For instance, victims may suffer blunt force head trauma in a motor vehicle collision or a slip and fall accident.
Blunt force head trauma can cause harm to a victim’s brain, skull, or other parts of the head. The force from the impact may cause the person’s brain to shift inside their skull.
This physical damage can cause swelling, bleeding, and bruising. In severe cases, the victim’s skull may be fractured or broken.
Common Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Trauma
It is critical to seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know has experienced a brain injury. Appropriate treatment will depend on the extent and nature of the damage.
A physician may advise you to undergo monitoring for any signs of swelling or bleeding in the brain. Other treatments include medication to relieve pain and surgery to repair damage to the skull or brain tissue.
The most typical symptoms of blunt force head trauma include:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures and convulsions
- Vision or hearing problems
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Unexpected changes in behavior or personality
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs
Symptoms of blunt force head trauma often vary depending on the nature of the injury. Signs of head trauma may develop immediately after the injury, but they may also take longer to show up.
Symptoms of head injuries sometimes manifest days or weeks after the initial injury. If you know that you have experienced a head injury, do not wait. It’s critical to contact a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Diagnosing Blunt Force Head Trauma
Medical professionals usually diagnose blunt force head trauma by performing a thorough physical examination. They may also order diagnostic tests to assess the scope of the injury. Common diagnostic tests include:
CT Scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan employs X-rays to produce detailed images of the brain. These tests can help detect bleeding, swelling, and fractures to the skull.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to form images. These scans produce visual representations of the victim’s brain. They can provide more detailed information than a simple CT scan.
Neurological Exams
A neurological exam tests:
- Reflexes
- Coordination
- Muscle strength
These exams can help detect signs of nerve damage or brain dysfunction.
Cognitive Tests and Examinations
Cognitive testing evaluates the patient’s memory, attention, and other functions. These examinations allow physicians to determine the extent of any brain damage.
Observation
Head trauma victims are often monitored for changes in their conditions over time.
Some of the most common changes include:
- Abnormal breathing
- Body temperature swings
- Shifts in or loss of consciousness
- Blood pressure and heart rate changes
These signs may need to be closely monitored to assess the patient’s condition. The medical tests used to diagnose blunt force head trauma can help physicians understand the extent of the damage.
Doctors use this information to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Those who have experienced any type of head trauma should seek medical attention right away.
You Might Be Entitled To Compensation After Sustaining Blunt Force Head Trauma in Los Angeles, CA
If your head injury was the result of another party’s negligence or carelessness, you may be owed significant financial damages. A skilled Los Angeles brain injury lawyer will review the facts of your blunt force head trauma claim and fight for you.
Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA
If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles, CA or you lost a loved one and you need legal assistance, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. One of our Los Angeles brain injury lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will get in touch with you soon.
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Los Angeles Office
4929 Wilshire Blvd Suite 960,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(877) 300-4535
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Office
350 S Figueroa St Suite 276
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(877) 751-8953