Some workplace accidents can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This could include something very serious, such as falling from a ladder or being struck by a vehicle. But TBIs can happen much more easily than many people realize. Simply slipping and falling in the parking lot and striking your head on the asphalt could certainly be enough.
If you do have a traumatic brain injury, then what types of symptoms should you expect? The injury can manifest a bit differently from one person to the next and depends on how serious the injury is and what part of the brain has been affected.
Physical symptoms
You may have certain physical symptoms, such as a loss of fine motor control, excessive fatigue or issues with balance. Many people also experience sensory symptoms, such as a strange taste in their mouth or feeling extremely sensitive to lights and sounds.
Emotional symptoms
A traumatic brain injury can cause mood swings, irritability and other changes to an individual’s personality. It can also disrupt their sleep schedule, which can exaggerate these symptoms even more.
Cognitive symptoms
Finally, you could experience various cognitive symptoms, such as a loss of language skills and trouble finding the right word when speaking. Memory loss is a very common symptom, especially right around the incident itself. Some people deal with long-term issues, such as trouble forming new memories, depending on how serious the injury is and how well it heals.
A traumatic brain injury can certainly keep you out of work, so you need to know how to seek proper workers’ comp benefits.