The Important Things to Do When You’ve Suffered a TBI
It can happen many different ways—you slip and fall and hit your head on the ground or on some stationary object. You’re in a motor vehicle accident and you suffer a whiplash injury or hit your head on the dashboard or windshield. You’re a weekend warrior, playing soccer or football and somebody rings your bell.
After any incident involving either impact to your head or a sudden violent snapping back and forth at your neck, you need to immediately start keeping an eye out for the following symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI:
- Headache
- Ringing in your ears
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or confusion
- Loss of memory
- Anxiety, depression or behavioral changes
A more serious TBI will often lead to persistent nausea or vomiting, cognitive challenges, slurred or inconsistent speech, or a weakness in your arms or legs.
Your Immediate Response to a Potential Traumatic Brain Injury
The things you do in the immediate aftermath of a TBI can make a significant difference in the short and long-term impact on your health, and on your recovery. If you’re involved in any type of athletic activity, you should immediately stop playing. If you’ve fallen or been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, you should minimize any movement and have someone call 9-1-1 to bring emergency medical personnel to you. They’ll know whether you can leave under your own power or should go to the hospital by ambulance.
If you are able to leave the scene of the accident on your own, either take yourself to an emergency room or urgent care facility or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to conduct a preliminary evaluation and either prescribe a regimen of care or refer you to a specialist, if necessary.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.