How do I know if I have a traumatic brain injury? You may have a traumatic brain injury if you experience any physical or cognitive symptoms, like blurry vision, frequent or intense headaches, slurred speech, or if you have had any emotional or behavioral changes.
Traumatic brain injuries do not always appear right away, and symptoms can sneak up over time, sometimes in ways you would not expect. It is not uncommon for a Las Vegas traumatic brain injury lawyer to see clients who thought they were fine at first, only to later realize their symptoms were signs of something more serious.
Immediate Signs That You May Have a Traumatic Brain Injury
It is not always obvious when a head injury turns into something more serious. Some symptoms appear right away, while others creep in over the next few hours or days. Whether you were in a car accident, slipped on wet flooring, or were struck during a violent encounter, it is important to pay close attention to what your body is telling you.
Physical and Cognitive Symptoms That Appear Quickly
The most immediate signs to look for if you think you have a traumatic brain injury are feeling lightheaded or suddenly confused, as if you cannot get your thoughts in order.
Headaches that come on strong or keep getting worse, blurry vision, and slurred speech are all early red flags. Some people feel nauseated or start vomiting soon after the injury, while others struggle to stay awake or respond to basic questions. Fast medical attention is essential, not just for your health, but to document the extent of your injuries from the start.
Personality Changes or Emotional Shifts After a Blow to the Head
A traumatic brain injury can cause changes that are more emotional than physical, especially in the days and weeks that follow. You might notice yourself getting irritated more easily or feeling anxious when you never used to. Loved ones may point out that you seem different or disconnected, even if you are trying your best to act normal.
Memory problems, mood swings, and poor concentration can affect everything from your relationships to your ability to work. People around you might not see what you are going through, especially if your injury is not visible. That is what makes these symptoms so hard to deal with. You know something is off, but it is not always easy to explain.
Other Clues That Suggest You Should See a Doctor
Not every brain injury shows up with obvious symptoms right away. Sometimes the signs develop slowly or come and go, making them easier to miss when you think you have a traumatic brain injury. If anything feels off after a head injury, watch for signs like these:
- Behavioral red flags
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Delayed verbal responses
- Light sensitivity
- Sleep changes
- Facial numbness
- Dizziness
- Delayed vision issues
Some symptoms appear hours or even days after the initial injury, and they may not always follow a predictable pattern. Keeping a written log of what you notice can help both your doctor and your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer if you end up needing medical care or legal support. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 616C.015, workers’ compensation may also cover treatment for work-related head injuries.
When a Crash or Collision Is to Blame for Your TBI
Many traumatic brain injuries are caused by vehicle accidents. Rear-end crashes, high-speed impacts, and motorcycle wrecks are especially risky when it comes to head trauma. If you were hurt in any type of crash, a Las Vegas catastrophic injury lawyer can help you understand whether a brain injury claim may apply.
Common Vehicle Scenarios That Lead to Brain Injuries
Even a seemingly minor collision can cause enough force to damage the brain. Whiplash is one of the most common culprits, especially in rear-end accidents where your head snaps forward and back without warning. Other injuries come from direct impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or from objects flying inside the car during the crash.
Airbags help reduce the severity of some injuries, but they can also cause trauma if your head or neck absorbs most of the force. Motorcycle riders face even higher risks when thrown from the bike. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 484E.030, injury crashes in Nevada must be reported, and if we preserve details of your symptoms early, we can connect the crash to your medical condition later.
Why Many People Delay Treatment After a Collision
Right after a crash, your body is running on adrenaline. You might feel shaky, tired, or even completely fine. However, symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or pressure behind the eyes sometimes do not show up until hours or even days after the impact. That delay can make it harder to understand what really happened or connect it to a brain injury.
For this reason, many people try to push through the discomfort or brush it off as stress. They do not always realize that a traumatic brain injury could be the real reason they are having trouble thinking clearly or remembering details. That is why it is important to seek care as soon as anything starts to feel off, and you are asking how you know if you have a traumatic brain injury.
Do Not Ignore the Signs of a Brain Injury. Get the Facts Now
Even a mild traumatic brain injury can have lasting effects on your mood, memory, and ability to work or connect with people you care about. Many people try to push through symptoms without realizing the damage could get worse over time. Traumatic brain injuries deserve real attention, and the sooner you act, the more support you can receive for your care and recovery.
If you wonder how you know if you have a traumatic brain injury, your Las Vegas traumatic brain injury attorney with H&P Law can help you understand your options. Contact us to talk through what happened and get answers to your questions sooner.
