Seizures Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

By Jeffrey S. Friedman | June 24, 2019

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we provide legal representation for those who have been injured in an accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you have been injured in any type of accident, call our team today in Seaford, Wilmington, or Newark to schedule a consultation.

It’s not uncommon for victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to suffer from seizures in the days, weeks, months and years following the accident that led to this injury. For 70 to 80% of TBI patients, the seizures can be treated with medication – but that is not always the case.

Seizures associated with TBI can be especially troublesome. Most will last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two, but there are some who endure seizures that last as long as 5 to 10 minutes. Loss of sleep, fatigue, fever, alcohol and drug use and low sodium in the body can all aggravate seizures after a TBI.

Types of seizures:

There are three types of seizures associated with TBI and they are as follows:

  • Early post-traumatic seizures: This seizure occurs in the first week following a TBI. Close to 25 percent of patients who suffer this seizure will suffer a subsequent one months or years following the initial seizure.
  • Late post-traumatic seizures: This seizure occurs more than seven days following the patient suffering the TBI. Close to 80 percent of patients who suffer a seizure after a TBI will suffer subsequent seizures.
  • Epilepsy: When you have more than one seizure, you are diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a permanent nerve disorder that can be controlled with medication, but cannot be cured.

Statistics surrounding TBI and seizures

  • 20% of patients who suffer closed head injuries that lead to bleeding between the brain and the skull will suffer from seizures.
  • 65% of patients who have suffered TBI due to gunshot wounds to the head will experience seizures.
  • More than 35% of patients who suffer a TBI that requires two or more surgeries will experienced late post-traumatic seizures.

The warning signs of seizures following TBI

Should you or a loved one suffer a TBI, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of seizures following such an injury. These signs include any of the following:

  • Falling suddenly for no reason
  • Jerking of the body
  • Forgetfulness
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbing of the body
  • Tingling sensation in the stomach
  • Feeling that there’s a rapid change in temperature in the room
  • Grimacing
  • Incontinence
  • Hearing sounds not present
  • Rapid eye blinking

All of these could occur in the moments right before a TBI patient suffers from a seizure.

Why you need a lawyer

As with any type of personal injury, suffering a traumatic brain injury can change your life in an instant. You should always consult with a lawyer after any accident to find out if you are eligible for compensation. A TBI is one of the most serious injuries you can suffer because you might not be able to care for yourself anymore. A lawyer will make sure you receive enough compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and any property loss you sustain, along with compensation for your pain and suffering.

No matter how you suffered your TBI, it is vital that you speak with a trusted personal injury attorney in Delaware. The team of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman represents clients in Wilmington, Seaford and Newark after a TBI. Call our office at 302-888-2900 or complete the contact form on the website to schedule a consultation.

Related:

Posted in Brain Injury