Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

What is a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)?

The WHO (world health organization) and other medical organizations use the classification of “mild” traumatic brain injury to indicate that the injury to the brain was associated with a brief alteration in consciousness and does not require surgical intervention.  This descriptor can be completely misleading when considering the often very long term impact on the injured individual.

Medically, a “mild traumatic brain injury” is defined as trauma to the head or body causing an immediate loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation lasting less than 30 minutes. It’s sometimes referred to as a concussion, minor head trauma, or minor brain or head injury.

Unfortunately, the after effects can last much longer.  Medical research shows that approximately 80%-85% of the population’s symptoms fully resolve within two years.  However, approximately 15% of mTBI sufferers have long term effects.

A mild traumatic brain injury can occur even if you are not struck on the head directly. Whiplash is one example where an indirect force jolts the brain back and forth within the skull, causing disruption in brain function.

Mild traumatic brain injuries can be caused by falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

Symptoms of mild TBIs may include:

• Loss of consciousness between a few seconds up to 30 minutes
• Feeling dazed, confused or disoriented (without losing consciousness)
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances or sleeping more than usual
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Memory problems
• Anxiety or depression
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Attention and concentration deficits
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Mood changes

If You Feel You Might Have a TBI, Seek Medical Advice

If you’ve experienced trauma to the head or body, and are showing any of the symptoms listed above, seek professional medical advice right away.

The trouble with mild TBIs is that without medical expertise, it’s difficult to know what’s really happening inside your head. And if left untreated, even “minor” brain injuries can result in permanent impairment.  Medical assistance is the best way to enable recovery.

Speak to an Experienced Brain and Head Injury Lawyer

Mild TBIs are sometimes seen as “invisible injuries” because symptoms are subtle and may not show up on MRIs, CAT scans or other medical tests. But one incident can severely affect the outcome of a person’s life.

This presents complex legal challenges because individuals may feel fine, but days or weeks later, symptoms strike – and can last weeks, months, or even a year or more after the incident (this is known as post-concussion syndrome). Symptoms include ongoing headaches or cognitive problems that affect thinking, memory, attention, mood and personality.

The effects of “mild” TBI can be anything but mild. And many lawyers are afraid to take these cases on because of the “lack of medical evidence” which creates resistance from insurance companies, doctors and societal perceptions.

If you’re suffering from a mild, moderate or severe TBI – especially if it’s as a result of someone else’s negligence – Parsons Corrin LLP brain and head injury lawyers can guide you through this stressful and overwhelming time. Our lawyers understand the complexities of a TBI diagnosis, and will factor your long-term quality of life when representing you.

Hire a law firm with over 20 years of experience working on complex mild traumatic brain injury cases