Bucci & Dix

Dealing With Brain Injuries

The tragic case of traumatic brain injury victim Natasha Richardson following a ski accident highlights the need to seek medical treatment rapidly following an insult to the head.  As noted in this Time article, the common signs of a serious brain injury include worsening headache, confusion, disorientation and nausea, as well as problems with communication such as slurring of speech, sleepiness, facial drooping and clumsiness. These symptoms are similar the same signs of stroke noted by the American Heart Association:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

The article highlights the need to seek medical attention within a "golden hour" after suffering a mild traumatic brain injury.  Luckily, as noted on the Virginia Department of Health's website, in the Richmond area there are a number of trauma centers well-suited to examine, handle, and treat victims of mild traumatic brain injury.