Some slip and fall accidents only lead to slight bumps and bruises which are easily recovered from. However, others can lead to serious head injuries, which may impact your life for many years to come.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a range of signs and symptoms that indicate a head injury is serious. Some injuries can cause lifelong disabilities, while others require extensive rehab and medical treatment to restore all or a portion of your function. Here are a few signs to look for after a head injury has occurred.
Mental symptoms
Loss of consciousness after a head injury should always be taken seriously, even if it only lasts a few minutes. Being in a state of confusion is also concerning, as it could indicate serious damage to the brain. If the person cannot remember their name or other basic information, emergency medical treatment should be sought right away. Any unusual or out of character behavior should also be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident, as should slurred speech or agitation.
Physical symptoms
Damage to the head and brain also impacts other bodily functions. For example, a person may appear uncoordinated or have problems walking. Weakness in the extremities, including the fingers and toes, is another symptom of serious injury. Headaches are also common. Headaches caused by head injuries will persist for a long time, and may become worse as time goes on. The eyes can also signal serious damage. Look at pupil sizes to determine if there are any differences. Convulsion and seizures, vomiting, and clear fluids coming from the nose or ears also require medical attention.