This page discusses Traumatic Brain Injury. If you or a loved one already knows all about traumatic brain injury and you just need an Oregon Trial Attorney to help you, you may call me for free at 503-665-4234.

Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when the brain bangs against the craggy inner skull. Usually, but not always, the outside of the skull also hits something. Something piercing the skull can also cause traumatic brain injury.

Common causes of traumatic brain injury are motor vehicle collisions, falls from heights, sports injuries, and violent crimes.

The effects are greatest immediately following the injury. With good care, however, a person can improve dramatically in the months that follow. Also, specialists can help people with brain injuries cope with the permanent effects of brain injuries. It is important to get the help you need right away because after 18-24 months, it is unlikely that the injured person's brain will recover any further from traumatic brain injury.

DIAGNOSIS: General signs and symptoms of brain injury include the following:

Thinking or Cognitive Symptoms

• Concentration problems
• Memory difficulty
• Attention problems
• Mental fatigue
• Orientation problems

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Uneven Gait
• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Seizures

Behavioral Changes

• Depression
• Irritable / angry
• Anxiety
• Sleep changes
• Difficulty with emotional control
• Loss of motivation or initiative
• Problems related to marriage, employment, home management, school, and other relationships

For young children. Although children can suffer the same signs or symptoms, it might be more difficult to see. Parents should look for the following if they suspect a head injury:

• Change in eating or sleeping patterns
• Listlessness, tiring out faster than before
• Being more cranky or irritable
• Change in play habits
• Change in school performance or conduct
• Lost interest in favorite toys or things
• Loss of newly acquired skills such as potty training
• Loss of coordination or balance, unsteady walking.

Brain injured children can show one or more of the following:

Thinking / Cognitive:

• Issues with memory, short or long term
• Slower thinking
• Mental fatigue: trouble concentrating for long periods of time.
• Difficulties in talking or listening
• Change or problems with planning, judgment, reading, writing or sequencing of events

Emotional, social or behavioral issues:

• Depression & anxiety
• Sudden mood swings
• Relationship issues
• Restlessness
• Crying or laughing a lot
• Less control of emotions
• Less motivation

Physical issues:

• Change in writing or drawing skills
• Spasticity: sudden tightening of muscles
• Seizures
• Paralysis, partial or full
• Issues with senses including speaking, hearing & seeing
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Changes in balance or walking