Parents of young children and teenagers know all too well how dangerous the springtime can be. Sporting events and outdoor activities increase over the warmer months, and as a result, children are at an increased risk for sustaining serious traumatic brain injuries. In fact, an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each and every year. Of those, nearly 100,000 will experience long-term disability as a result.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a brain injury is key to receiving prompt medical attention. In addition, diagnosing a concussion or brain injury can prevent further complications and injury. Parents, teachers, and coaches need to be aware of the subtle changes in a child after they’ve suffered a brain injury.
If your child was in a motor vehicle accident, a sports accident, or a fall, it is important to watch your child closely for the symptoms of a brain injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you notice the following signs, it is important to have your child evaluated by a qualified medical professional immediately.
- Loss of consciousness
- Dazed or disoriented
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems with speech or balance
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Sleeping excessively
- Ringing in ears
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood swings
- Clear fluid draining from nose or ears
- Slurred speech
- Agitation
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Seizures
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Children between the ages of 1 and 4, teenagers between 15 and 24, and senior adults over the age of 60 have the highest risk of suffering serious brain injury after an accident. While there are numerous causes of traumatic brain injury, the most common include:
- Falls – falling down stairs, off of a ladder, or out of a tree can all cause serious brain injuries in young children. The elderly are also at risk of suffering brain injury after a fall.
- Motor Vehicle Crashes – car, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents are all common causes of traumatic brain injury. The violent forces of the collision are often enough to cause injury to the brain even when visible signs of trauma aren’t apparent.
- Sports Injuries – contact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse, skateboarding, and soccer can all cause serious brain injuries. To reduce the risk of injury, it is important to wear appropriate safety gear at all times.
- Violence – gunshots, domestic violence, assault, and battery can all cause serious injury to the brain.
Contact our West Palm Beach Brain Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been suffered a brain injury in an accident in Palm Beach, Martin or Saint Lucie Counties, you need an experienced brain injury lawyer on your side immediately. These injuries can be severe and life-threatening, and can result in permanent disability.
At Fetterman & Associates, our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys are here to help you collect the compensation you need to deal with all of your current and future medical issues. We know brain injuries can be devastating and we work tirelessly for our clients to help them obtain the help they need after an injury. Our North Palm Beach brain injury attorneys are here to help. Call us today at 561-845-2510 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
Additional Reading