Serious brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, but not all of them are apparent right away. For patients and families, recognizing the warning signs of a post-operative brain injury can make a critical difference in long-term recovery and legal options.
In this post, we will discuss what changes to look out for after medical treatment, when to seek follow-up care, and when it may be appropriate to consult an experienced brain injury attorney.
Signs of Brain Injury Following Medical Treatment
Identifying a mild brain injury after surgery can be challenging. Symptoms are often mistaken for routine side effects of anesthesia or recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control, common symptoms of a mild brain injury include:
- Headaches and nausea
- Light sensitivity
- Dizziness
- Difficulty thinking clearly
Mild brain injury symptoms typically improve over time and subside within 1-2 weeks. If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with normal activities, the brain injury may be severe. The Mayo Clinic identifies the symptoms of a severe brain injury as:
- Persistent headache that worsens
- Weakness or decreased coordination
- Slurred speech
- Agitation
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
In rare cases, these symptoms may indicate blood clotting in the brain. Immediate emergency care is necessary if these signs appear.
How Brain Injuries Can Result from Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Brain injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of medical malpractice and frequently occur during surgery, anesthesia administration, or childbirth. These injuries can have lifelong physical, cognitive, and financial consequences.
Examples of medical malpractice that can cause brain injuries include:
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Failure to monitor vitals after surgery
- Failure to diagnose stroke
- Traumatic labor and delivery
When a brain injury is caused by the negligence of a doctor or healthcare facility, it may be necessary to pursue legal accountability for medical malpractice.
Contact Our Award-Winning Brain Injury Attorneys
At Bostwick & Associates, we understand the complexities of brain injury cases and have the experience and resources to provide strong advocacy for our clients. With a long history of securing record-breaking results, including the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history, our brain injury attorneys are committed to guiding clients through the legal process and obtaining compensation for their injuries.
Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.