Unfortunately, a brain bleed can cause significant damage if it is not treated emergently. Sometimes symptoms of a brain bleed will not appear immediately after a head trauma and therefore, a hospital will not suspect a brain injury and not order tests that could confirm the diagnosis of a brain injury involving a brain bleed. The early symptoms of a brain bleed normally involve the following:
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- Headaches that get worse over time
- Vomiting, nausea, dizziness and lethargy
- Unequal pupils in size or changes in vision
- Paralysis on one side of the body and weakness
- Unconsciousness in later stages
The symptoms can take days or even weeks to develop which can delay diagnosis by a healthcare provider. The basic types of head injuries including brain bleeds involve the following:
Subdural hematoma – a bleed between your brain and the protective layers covering it. These bleeds can be acute, subacute, or chronic, categories that refer to the nature of the bleed. Acute is the most serious subcategory, while chronic bleeds may take weeks or months to show symptoms. CT scans can be used to determine the age of the hematoma.
Epidural hematoma – A bleed between the protective layers covering your brain and your skull. This usually occurs when a skull fracture tears or injures an underlying blood vessel. Without treatment, this type of injury can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly and lead to death.
Subarachnoid bleed – This occurs when blood collects below the arachnoid and can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
Recommendations
If you experience a significant head trauma, it’s always a good idea to see a physician as soon as possible for a comprehensive evaluation. This is critical if you are having persistent headaches that are getting worse, vomiting, blurred vision or confusion.
The quicker the brain injury is detected, the more likely you will have a positive outcome.
A brain bleed can be treated differently depending on the extent of injury and your symptoms. A neurological exam may be utilized to diagnose this type of brain injury. Imaging tests such as CT scans can show the internal bleeding.
If your injury was somebody else’s fault, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. We can help you get a settlement that will cover your medical bills, any loss of income, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. Contact our personal injury law firm in Ann Arbor for a Free Consultation to discuss the details of your case.