How Do I Know If I Am Having a Brain Bleed After A Head Injury?

Perhaps the scariest personal injury that a person can suffer is a head injury. A head injury refers to any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can be caused by various incidents, such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or physical assaults. 

Head injuries are particularly frightening for several reasons. The brain controls all of our essential bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, and coordination. Injuries to the brainstem or other critical areas can impair these functions, leading to severe disability or death.

Despite them being so dangerous, it is not always obvious that a head injury will lead to devastating consequences. After all, there is a big difference between walking into a door at a slow speed and being hit in the head with a baseball going 90 MPH.

The severity of one’s head injuries is not always immediately apparent. While symptoms of a severe head injury can occur rapidly with extreme pain and other obvious signs of injury, it can also develop slowly, initially presenting only a few mild symptoms. This can make it difficult to assess the full extent of the injury initially. Just because you don’t experience any symptoms or only mild ones in the initial days or weeks after a head injury doesn’t necessarily indicate a mild injury. 

Surprisingly, it is possible to have a slow brain bleed that hasn’t yet produced noticeable warning signs. Untreated brain bleeds can lead to severe injury or death. Here is what a brain bleed is and how to spot it.

What is a Brain Bleed?

A brain bleed, also known as a cerebral hemorrhage or intracranial hemorrhage, refers to bleeding that occurs within the brain or between the brain and the skull. It can result from trauma, ruptured blood vessels, aneurysms, or medical conditions. Types include intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and epidural hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain tissue itself, often caused by hypertension or trauma. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it, typically due to a ruptured aneurysm. Subdural hemorrhage is bleeding between the brain and its outermost covering, often resulting from head trauma. Epidural hemorrhage is bleeding between the skull and the outer covering of the brain, usually caused by a skull fracture that tears an artery. 

How Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Cause Brain Bleeds?

A traumatic brain injury is a type of injury caused by a sudden, external force that impacts the head, resulting in damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe injuries with long-term consequences. They can result from blows to the head, such as those sustained in car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical assaults. Additionally, they can occur when there are penetrating head injuries. This is where an object pierces the skull and enters the brain, such as gunshot wounds or stabbings.

Why Are Brain Bleeds So Dangerous?

Brain bleeds are dangerous due to their potential to cause life-threatening complications. They can lead to increased pressure within the skull, compressing delicate brain tissue and disrupting vital functions. Bleeding can damage neurons, impairing cognitive and motor functions. Depending on the location and extent of the bleed, individuals may experience severe neurological deficits or even death. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to stop the bleeding, reduce pressure on the brain, and prevent further damage. Without timely treatment, brain bleeds can result in permanent disabilities or fatalities, highlighting their grave nature and urgent need for attention.

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Bleed?

These are some of the symptoms of a brain bleed. It is important that if one has had head trauma, and any of these symptoms, to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. As noted, it is possible to have a brain bleed and not have any symptoms at all, or have these symptoms delayed. 

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Sudden, severe headache
• Vision problems
• Weakness or numbness in parts of the body

Will I Be Okay After a Brain Bleed?

The outcome of a brain bleed can vary widely depending on the location, cause, and promptness of treatment. Some people recover fully, while others may experience long-term neurological deficits or complications. Early intervention is critical to improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Prompt Medical Intervention Is Crucial

Prompt medical intervention is important for two reasons. First, the best outcomes of brain bleeds occur when an individual is examined by a doctor right away. Quick medical care can limit the extent of brain damage caused by the bleed. The longer the bleed continues, the more damage it can inflict on brain tissue. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications associated with brain bleeds, such as increased intracranial pressure, seizures, or neurological deficits. 

Seeking medical attention after a head injury is crucial, especially if you are considering legal action due to your personal injury. Having a comprehensive record of your post-incident actions, including seeking medical care, enhances your chances of a successful lawsuit or settlement.

Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer 

Head injuries resulting in brain bleeds can be devastating. Brain bleeds can result in significant medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for all applicable damages to ensure you receive the financial support you need for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when it comes to complex injury claims like brain bleeds. A lawyer can handle negotiations on your behalf and advocate for a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.