Emergency Care for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car accidents and workplace accidents often lead to serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs require faster medical care than most other injuries like bone fractures or soft tissue injuries. Certain TBIs can lead to disabilities or death if left untreated for too long. The brain can swell or a fractured skull piece can damage brain tissue.
To help someone with a TBI while waiting for emergency services, you first need to know how to recognize the signs. If you suffered this injury from the negligence of someone else, talk to a New York personal injury lawyer.
How to Recognize a Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs happen when the head is hit against a hard object with great force. This causes the brain to hit the side of the skull, which can lead to damage, bone fractures, or swelling. There are mild, moderate, and severe signs of 
TBI to look for.
Mild TBIs only cause brief losses of consciousness and the person may seem confused with complaints of a headache. Some people may become slightly dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. Ask them about their hearing and vision because other signs of TBI are blurry vision and ear ringing. You may also notice long-term, but temporary changes that involve problems with memory, concentration, and attention.
Moderate to severe TBIs come with the same symptoms but at a greater severity. This includes worsening headaches, vomiting with nausea, and a complete loss of consciousness. They may also complain of numbness, weakness, and agitation. Look for slurred speech, pupil dilation, and poor coordination.
Providing Emergency Care for TBI
If any of these signs are present after an accident, have the person transported to a hospital. However, if there are signs of a moderate to severe TBI with breathing problems or seizures, call 911.
While waiting for paramedics, stabilize the person by keeping them still. Have them lay down with their head elevated. Keep an eye on their breathing and heartbeat. Perform CPR if the heart stops or breathing ceases. Apply pressure to any bleeding from the head, but be wary of skull fractures. You do not want to apply pressure if you notice a fracture.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyer in New York
TBIs can lead to some of the most severe symptoms, often with lifelong disabilities. Common disabilities include problems in thinking, memory, movement, sensation, or personality. Fortunately, mild TBIs tend to clear up within a few months, but moderate to severe TBIs may present future complications. Try talking with a Camillus Traumatic Brain Injuries Attorney if your injury was caused by a negligent driver or co-worker. You could be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 today for a free consultation. You can find us in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Our goal is to defend your rights to ensure you receive enough compensation to recover.