Misdiagnosis of Brain Injury

Brain injuries can be hard to detect and at times are misdiagnosed.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, approximately 1.4 million people suffer a brain injury in the United States. A brain injury may result from a variety of causes ranging from slip and fall accidents to a car accident. These injuries can be hard to detect and are often missed or misdiagnosed.

What Is a Brain Injury?

A physical trauma to the head and brain such as a shake, blow, bump, or penetration that disrupts the brain’s normal functioning is referred to as a brain injury, head injury, head trauma, or a traumatic brain injury. They can be mild or severe and have varying symptoms.

• Concussion – A concussion is a violent shaking of the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Concussions are common in contact sports and may result in permanent brain damage.
• Closed head injuries – Open head injuries are obvious, but a closed head injury, such as whiplash, may cause little noticeable damage to the head, but still cause significant brain damage.
• Acquired brain injury – This does not ususally result from an external head trauma. It results from an internal cause and develops when the cells are deprived of oxygen. Common causes of such injuries are exposure to toxins, medication misuse, and drowning accidents.

Common Symptoms of Brain Injury

Symptoms of a brain injury depend on the type and severity of the damage. Common symptoms are:

• persistent headache
• memory loss
• inability to concentrate
• fatigue
• listlessness
• dizziness
• change in cognitive function, behaviour, or mood
• blurred vision
• nausea

One of the most common symptoms of brain injury is loss of consciousness. The symptoms may not show up immediately and can appear over time. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for any head injury. A brain injury caused by medical negligence can be especially devasting. A St. Louis medical malpractice attorney may be needed to help recover compensation needed for long-term medical care and support services.

Symptoms of Brain Injury in Children

Children can suffer a brain injury as a result of a bike accident, fall, or participation in recreational activities. Unfortunately, a brain injury in a child may be very hard to detect. Common symptoms include:

• tiredness or listlessness
• irritability
• changes in sleep or eating patterns, school performance, or play
• loss of interest in activities or toys
• trouble balancing or unsteady walking
• loss of new skills
• vomiting

If you think you or your loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident, you should immediately seek proper medical advice and treatment, even if the injury seems minor and no major symptoms are observed. If the brain injury is due to the negligence or error of a doctor or other healthcare professional, you may be dealing with emotional and financial difficulties. Contact Zevan and Davidson Law Firm LLC at (314) 588-7200 to protect your legal rights.