Whether you are working at a construction site, in a warehouse or in an office building, you run the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury while on the job. Although these injuries occur most often at construction sites and in warehouse settings, they can occur in any type of workplace. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include falls, motor vehicle accidents and being hit by falling objects. Once you have a traumatic brain injury, you may notice immediate symptoms of damage, or it may take a few days for you to realize you have an injury. In any case, it is critical that you obtain medical treatment as soon as possible.

If you are hit by a falling object, fall and hit your head on the floor or slam your head against a truck windshield, your brain may feel the impact. You may suffer from a skull fracture or sudden blood clots in the brain. Pieces of skull bone may become lodged into the brain tissue. As time goes by, swelling of the brain can create high pressures within the skull cavity, damaging the brain even further. Knowing how to spot the signs of mild, moderate and severe brain injuries is vital in identifying the problem and seeking medical attention.

According to the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, mild brain injuries may present the following symptoms:

• Dizziness and confusion
• Fatigue, trouble sleeping or a change in sleep patterns
• Headache, blurred vision or other sensory deficiencies
• Mood changes, trouble paying attention

Moderate to severe brain injuries may cause seizures, convulsions, persistent headaches, repetitive nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, tingling in the muscles and loss of coordination.

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.