Houston Brain Injury Lawyers 

Assisting Victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Greater Houston Area

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can leave victims unable to work, unable to participate in activities they previously enjoyed, and even unable to perform basic personal tasks. An injury of this severity can also be financially crippling. 

Table of Contents:

• Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
• What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
• Treatment for a Head Injury
• Compensation for Brain Injury Victims
• How a Houston Brain Injury Attorney Can Help You
• Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

If a person’s brain injury was caused by an accident or otherwise due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions, the victim deserves to be fully compensated for the losses they have suffered.

The Houston brain injury lawyers of Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC have extensive experience handling these complex cases. Our team works closely with top-notch medical specialists to ensure our clients get the treatment and rehabilitative support they need. We take the time to do everything we can to give our clients the resources to move forward after debilitating brain injuries.

Call our firm today at (713) 609-1930 for a free case review. We can answer all your questions and explain your legal options for pursuing the financial compensation you need.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are classified into one of two categories: penetrating injuries and closed-head injuries. Penetrating injuries involve a puncture of the tissues surrounding the brain, such as from a bullet, knife, or shrapnel. Closed-head injuries do not involve any penetration of the surrounding tissues.

Damage that occurs to the brain may also be classified as a primary injury, which is suffered at the time the injury occurs, or a secondary injury, which involves changes to the brain that can last for hours, days, or longer.

Examples of primary injuries include:

• Hematomas, or bleeding and clotting resulting from a tear or rupture of a blood vessel
• Skull fractures
• Contusion, or bruising of the brain tissue
• Diffuse axonal injury, or shearing and tearing of the connections between nerve cells in the brain

Secondary injuries can include:

• Hypoxia or anoxia, or reduced or lack of oxygen being delivered to the brain
• Ischemia, or inadequate blood supply to the brain
• Edema, which results in increased pressure on the brain
• Hydrocephalus, or a dangerous accumulation of fluid around the brain

What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in a wide variety of symptoms, largely depending on the severity of the injury. 

Signs and symptoms of mild TBIs can include:

• Brief loss of consciousness
• Feeling dazed, disoriented, or confused
• Dizziness 
• Balance issues
• Headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Speech problems
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Sleeping more than usual
• Problems falling asleep
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Sensory changes, including ringing sounds, blurred vision, changes to smell, or a bad taste in the mouth
• The onset of feelings of anxiety or depression
• Mood changes or swings
• Memory or concentration issues

Moderate to severe TBIs can result in symptoms including:

• Extended loss of consciousness up to several hours
• Coma
• Persistent or worsening headaches
• Persistent vomiting and nausea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of coordination
• Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
• Difficulties in being awoken from sleep
• Clear fluids running from the nose or ears
• Pupil dilation
• Profound confusion
• Slurred speech
• Unusual behaviors, such as agitation or combativeness

Treatment for a Head Injury

The proper treatment for a head or brain injury depends on the severity of the injury. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries usually require intensive treatment. Initial treatment begins with ensuring the brain has a sufficient blood oxygen supply and preventing additional injury to the brain, head, or neck. 

Treatment options may include:

• Medications, including diuretics to reduce fluids in tissues and relieve pressure on the brain, coma-inducing drugs to reduce the brain’s need for oxygen while it heals from an injury, or anti-seizure medication
• Surgery, including procedures to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, stop brain bleeds, or open a window in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain

Once a patient’s condition has stabilized, treatment focuses on rehabilitation to help them relearn lost physical and cognitive abilities, as well as develop adaptive techniques to cope with reduced capabilities. 

Rehabilitation may include: 

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Neuropsychology
• Mental health therapy

Even someone who has suffered a mild brain injury must still be monitored for signs of persistent or worsening symptoms, which may indicate a more severe injury than initially thought or a worsening injury.