NFL players aren’t the only people at risk for serious complications from traumatic brain injuries, known as TBIs. You may have been involved in a serious car accident, fallen from a great height, been attacked, hit in the head playing sports, or exposed to explosive blasts or combat. The effects can be mild or result in long-term complications or even death.
Symptoms of a TBI can include headache, nausea and/or vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, problems with speech, dizziness or loss of balance, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, confusion or disorientation, memory or concentration problems, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, convulsions or seizures, clear fluid drainage from the nose or ears, numbness in the fingers or toes, loss of coordination, and agitation or combative behavior. These issues may begin shortly after the injury or take some time to develop.
When symptoms last for extended periods of time it is referred to as persistent post-concussive syndrome. A person may face ongoing problems with vision, loss of sensation, hearing loss, memory, reasoning, judgment, learning new things, decision-making, starting and finishing tasks, problem-solving, difficulty following along with or understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and psychological changes.
While still unclear, some research suggests that someone who has experienced repeated TBIs may be at greater risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
To be found disabled for a TBI issue alone, a person must prove they suffer from the following:
- Disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the injury.
OR
- Marked limitation in physical functioning and in one of the following areas of mental functioning, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the injury: understanding/remembering/or applying information, interacting with others, concentrating/persisting/or maintaining pace, or adapting and managing oneself.
Documentation of your symptoms is a critical part of proving your TBI disability. Discussing your claim with an attorney can aid in gathering the proper medical records to support your case.
