Signs Your Neck Pain Could Be a Traumatic Brain Injury
Neck pain after an accident is often shrugged off as whiplash or a minor sprain, discomforts that will get better with ice and ibuprofen. However, that nagging ache might be hinting at something far more severe, like a traumatic brain injury, which can be deadly if left untreated.
Understanding TBIs
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from sudden trauma to the head, such as a violent bump, blow, or jolt, causing damage to the brain. The severity can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, resulting in prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia. Recognizing the symptoms quickly facilitates prompt medical intervention and faster recovery.
The Link Between TBIs and Neck Pain
A blow to the head often impacts the neck as well due to the neck’s role in supporting the head. When a person falls and hits their head, the force of impact can transfer to the neck, potentially resulting in sprains, strains, or other painful injuries.
Additionally, the neurological effects of a brain injury (for example, on nerve signaling) might manifest as pain or discomfort in the neck region.
Accident Types Often Linked With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Common incidents that often lead to traumatic brain injuries include:
- Accidents involving head impacts
- Falls from significant heights, like ladders or roofs
- Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports like football or boxing
- Physical assaults that involve blows to the head
If you’re experiencing neck pain after any of these types of accidents, prompt assessment and treatment could make all the difference in managing potential brain trauma.
Types of Neck Pain That Could Point To a Traumatic Brain Injury
Here’s a rundown on the types of neck pain and general discomfort you might feel that could potentially indicate a TBI:
- Constant, sharp pain that spreads from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or upper back
- Muscle tension and stiffness that won’t go away
- Pain that intensifies when moving your head in specific directions
- Tingling or weakness in the arms, legs, hands, or fingers
- Neck pain with dizziness, which might suggest damage to the brain and spinal system
While not all neck pain indicates a brain injury, certain symptoms warrant further investigation, especially after an accident. That’s why consulting a healthcare professional is the wisest course of action.
When To Seek Immediate Medical Care
In situations where healthcare professionals suspect a TBI, every second counts.
If any of the following conditions present themselves, it’s important to seek emergency medical care without hesitation:
- A loss of consciousness, even if only momentary
- Seizures
- Slurred or confused speech
- Weakness or loss of coordination on one side of the body
- Dilated or unequal pupil size
- Clear fluid leaking from either the ears or nose
These are all potential red flags for a severe TBI and demand swift and decisive action.
Legal Avenues After a TBI
If negligence played a role in the accident that resulted in your traumatic brain injury, you have a right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other negative effects.
The statute of limitations in Florida limits your window for filing a claim to two years from the accident date in most cases. However, you should take action much sooner to ensure that your personal injury claim is as strong as possible.
Neck Pain and TBIs: Key Takeaways
Neck pain following an accident should never be ignored, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A TBI isn’t just a medical condition — it’s a life-altering event that demands comprehensive care.
If the injury stems from another’s carelessness, it’s imperative to consult a personal injury lawyer who grasps the gravity of your situation. Make sure to document all symptoms and medical treatments, as this can be vital if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167