At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Georgia personal injury attorneys understand that different head injuries have unpredictable symptoms, and the severity can vary widely. While some head injuries can lead to the loss of consciousness, vomiting, or seizures — making them apparent immediately — some symptoms may be subtle or delayed, making it challenging to identify the extent of the injury immediately.
Here, we discuss five symptoms of head injuries that are often overlooked.
Whiplash or Neck Pain
Vehicle collisions and even slip-and-fall incidents can lead to whiplash or significant neck pain that is often associated with soft tissue damage. However, many fail to realize when the neck moves rapidly and forcefully back and forth, typically, so does the head, which can lead to a traumatic brain injury.
Sleep or Fatigue Issues
Head injuries can lead to symptoms on each side of the sleep spectrum, which makes them easier to overlook. Some people who suffer from head injuries exhibit tiredness and excess fatigue. Others may have trouble sleeping.
Unfortunately, other symptoms can be mistaken for the effects of too much or too little sleep when they are actually signs of a head injury.
They may include, but are not limited to:
- Irritability.
- Frustration.
- Depression.
- Impatience.
- Dizziness.
Forgetfulness
Often apparent immediately after a crash or other harmful incident, forgetfulness is typically brushed aside as short-term trauma from the event when it is actually a result of having a head injury.
Disorganization and Lack of Attention
Like forgetfulness, some people suffer from a sudden mental shift, making the most basic organizational tasks and activities challenging and lacking the focus to get back on track. This, too, is often brushed aside as being “frazzled” from the incident when, in reality, it could be the result of a head injury.
Balance Problems
Head injuries often result in issues maintaining balance, navigating stairs, or uneven terrain.
What makes each of these symptoms dangerous is that they may not occur immediately after an injurious incident, like a vehicle collision or slip and fall.
This is why all injury victims must seek medical care immediately, so their injuries can be observed and diagnosed and a treatment plan put in place.
If you have been injured because of another person or party’s negligence in Georgia, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation to ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.