Traumatic brain damage is one of the most common types of injuries that occur in Maryland, as well as across the U.S. Workers in almost any industry run the risk of being hit by a falling object, plummeting from a high place or slipping on clutter that has been left on the floor. In fact, approximately 138 people are killed every day from injuries involving brain trauma. Workers who become the victims of brain damage may suffer from serious repercussions, which could be long-lasting or even permanent. Since early treatment can help to improve the outcome for injured workers with brain trauma, it is important that people are able to identify the signs of TBI.
Indications of brain trauma will vary depending on how hard the worker was hit, as well as the area of the brain was damaged. Some typical signs of TBI include the following, as reported by the CDC:
- Difficulty concentrating, problem-solving, planning or organizing
- Consistent headaches, nausea and/or vomiting
- Changes in mood, personality and/or emotions
- Seizures or convulsions
- Tingling in the extremities or muscle spasms
- Trouble remembering
In moderate to severe cases of TBI, people may be forced to take time off of work while they recover. In some cases, workers may be unable to return to their same occupation, as they may be incapable of performing the same tasks as they did prior to becoming injured. While some injured workers may seek out a career in another industry, some are not able to return to work at all.
