Frequently Asked Brain Injury Questions

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARYLAND & VIRGINIA

• What is a traumatic brain injury and how does it occur?
• Must a person lose consciousness to suffer a traumatic brain injury?
• What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, and when will they appear?
• If an MRI was done of my brain after a blow or jolt to my head, and it was normal, does that mean that I did not suffer a concussion?
• If I think I have suffered a traumatic brain injury, what should I do?
• Do all traumatic brain injuries resolve over time?
• What can the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. do for me?

What is a traumatic brain injury and how does it occur?

A traumatic brain injury is a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain. It can occur from a blow or jolt to the head and sometimes from a whiplash injury. A traumatic brain injury is also referred to as a "concussion" or "closed head injury".

Must a person lose consciousness to suffer a traumatic brain injury?

No. While some people lose consciousness or are "knocked out" for a short time, you can have a brain injury without losing consciousness. Some people are simply dazed or confused.

What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, and when will they appear?

Every brain injury is different. The signs of concussion can be subtle. People may look fine even though they're acting or feeling differently. Some symptoms include:

• Low-grade headaches that won't go away
• Slowness in thinking, acting, and speaking
• Changes in attention, concentration, memory, and organization
• Loss or decrease in sense of taste or smell
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Mood changes

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not show up for days or weeks after the concussion.

If an MRI was done of my brain after a blow or jolt to my head, and it was normal, does that mean that I did not suffer a concussion?

No. The fact that an MRI of the brain was normal does not rule out a traumatic brain injury or concussion.

If I think I have suffered a traumatic brain injury, what should I do?

Seek medical attention immediately from a professional experienced in the care and treatment of people who suffer traumatic brain injuries. Don't assume that things will improve or resolve by themselves. Then consult a personal injury lawyer.

Do all traumatic brain injuries resolve over time?

Because all brain injuries are different, so are all recoveries. Most people with mild injuries recover fully, but it can take time. Some symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer, and some have a dramatic impact on one's life. Also, persons who have had a concussion in the past may find it takes longer to recover from their current injury. It is estimated that approximately 15% of all people who suffer a traumatic brain injury do not fully recover.

What can the brain injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. do for me?

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. in Washington D.C., we have experienced brain injury attorneys who can deal with cases involving traumatic brain injuries or concussions. We can assist you in obtaining full compensation for your injuries. We are here to help you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can call our offices in Washington, D.C. at anytime to obtain the name and phone number of the lawyer on call. You can also email us to request a free and confidential consultation.

--------------------------------

These answers are derived from the U.S. Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Print this page