Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI)
Approximately 1.4 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year in the United States; of these, between 75% and 90% are categorized as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI).
MTBI can be caused by many different types of trauma, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, sports accidents, work accidents, physical assaults, elder abuse, and slip and fall accidents.
While brain injuries in and of themselves should be considered serious injuries, the name "mild traumatic brain injury" (MTBI) is a way of categorizing brain injuries where:
- The loss of consciousness does not exceed 30 minutes
- Initial Glasgow Coma Scale is between 13-15
- Post-traumatic amnesia lasts no longer than 24 hours
Research indicates that up to 15% of patients diagnosed with MTBI may have persistent, disabling problems.
If you or a loved one has had an accident resulting in a brain injury, you may be entitled to payment for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Loss of past and future income and earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Other expenses related to the accident
Where the accident has caused a severe Traumatic Brain Injury, or other long-term, life-changing disability, the brain injury attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff can set up a special trust to guarantee that any money paid in a settlement or award is protected and used to benefit the accident victim for the rest of his or her life. Even if workers’ compensation benefits are being paid, a lawsuit sometimes may be filed against someone other than the employer or a co-worker.
Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Symptoms vary greatly, but may include any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Fatigue, Lethargy (feeling sluggish)
- Headache
- Confusion
- Musculoskeletal complaints
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Vision changes (blurred vision or seeing double, not able to tolerate bright light, loss of eye movement, blindness)
- Hearing changes
- Altered taste & smell
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Breathing problems
- Slow pulse
- Slow breathing rate, with an increase in blood pressure
- Cognitive difficulties (problems of understanding or recognition)
- Inappropriate emotional responses
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty swallowing
- Body numbness or tingling
- Sleep disturbances
If a brain injury is suspected, call 911 immediately or take the person to an emergency room.