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How do TBIs physically manifest?

On Behalf of | May 27, 2021 | Premises Liability, Slip & Fall Accidents

After slipping and falling, you may also hit your head. This could result in a brain injury. Even if the fall did not look severe or happen from a great height, it is still possible for a victim to end up with a serious brain injury.

But how can you tell if injury has occurred? When looking for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in specific, there are some physical signs you can keep an eye out for.

Light reactions and consciousness issues

According to Mayo Clinic, many brain injuries share similar signs. However, TBIs are easier to spot due to the severity of the injury itself. The victim will often develop symptoms quickly and they will often be easy for others to see.

For example, disordered consciousness presents one of the first potential red flags. This can include falling into a coma or temporary lapses in wakefulness. It can also include a small, singular period of passing out.

Next, victims often have strong reactions to light. This is due to the migraines that frequently accompany head injuries. If you shine a light into their eyes, you will likely also notice an uneven dilation in their pupils, too.

Visible injury to the head

On top of that, many victims will develop an immediate swelling or bruising at the point of contact with the ground. If you notice clear fluid draining from the ears or nose, however, you must seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Finally, watch for a victim’s balance. If they vomit, this could also indicate nausea. Both dizziness and nausea are big indicators of a head injury. You should take the victim to get medical help right away following the appearance of any such signs.

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