Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury – There are countless injuries that medical professionals look for when someone has been involved in a serious car accident. Some of these include bone fractures, soft organ injury, internal bleeding, and even brain injuries. Among these injuries, head and brain trauma could lead to chronic, lifelong complications. Some of the statistics that have been published by Brainline include:
- The most likely individuals to suffer a traumatic brain injury include toddlers, teenage drivers, and the elderly.
- In 2012, close to 330,000 children aged 20 or younger visited an emergency department due to concerns for a traumatic brain injury.
- The highest rates of hospitalization for a traumatic brain injury is seen in elderly individuals over the age of 75.
- The most common cause of a traumatic brain injury in a toddler is abuse.
These statistics are alarming, and it is important to identify traumatic brain injuries as quickly as possible. Early treatment could lead to improved outcomes.
Physical Exam Findings of a Traumatic Brain Injury
When there is a concern for a traumatic brain injury, the reflex response is to scan the individual. While this is important, a CT scan (and certainly an MRI) can take a while to come back. Because of this, it is vital to understand some of the physical exam findings that someone with a traumatic brain injury might show. Some of these include:
Battle’s Sign: Battle’s sign is the term used to describe Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is leaking from an ear. This is often a sign of a fracture of the skull, releasing CSF and blood into the ear canal. Of course, with the blood in the canal (called hemotympanum), how can CSF be detected? When this fluid leaks onto the sheet, the CSF will form a clear ring around the bloodstain.
Raccoon Eyes: This is the term used to describe swelling of the eyes and bruising around the eyelids. While this can often be confused for a black eye, raccoon eyes are typically bilateral.
CSF Otorrhea: Along similar lines, people with a TBI often have CSF leaking from their nose as well. Like the Battle’s sign, CSF starts to leak from the orifices when the skull is disrupted. This is a medical emergency.
Assistance from a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
When someone has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, there are many questions to which families would like answers. Some of the common questions that loved ones might ask include:
- What are the possible complications of a traumatic brain injury?
- How long are these complications going to last?
- Is there anything that could have been done to prevent these injuries from occurring?
- Has a detailed investigation been completed?
- How is the cost of medical care going to be covered?
Every family deserves to have these questions answered. For help, it is important to meet with a Fresno brain injury attorney. A trained attorney has the tools necessary to help families in need. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help because you and your loved ones could be deserving of financial compensation.
Fresno Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno brain injury lawyer. There are a few physical signs that could indicate that someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury, call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury.
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