Someone suffering from an intracranial hematoma may seem fine after an accident, but the truth of the matter is that it can take several weeks or longer for symptoms to surface. Doctors refer to this delay in symptoms as lucid interval.
If you or someone you love has received a blow to the head, whether it was in a slip and fall, truck accident, car crash or other type of accident, you need to be aware of the possibility of an intracranial hematoma. This potentially fatal condition is defined as a rupture of blood vessels within the brain or between the skull and brain. Hematoma, which is a collection of blood, compresses the brain tissue.
An intracranial hematoma can develop when the fluid around the brain isn’t able to provide a cushion from a sudden impact. The brain can hit the inside wall of the skull, causing bruising. Sometimes the symptoms of this brain injury are present immediately, but many times it can take weeks before experiencing health problems.
The symptoms of an intracranial hematoma are similar to other head injuries and according to Mayoclinic.com, include the following:
- Headache that gets worse
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Unequal size pupils
- Limb weakness on one side of the body
- High blood pressure
As the condition worsens, so do the symptoms. Lethargy, seizures and unconsciousness have been associated with severe head injury cases. It is imperative that medical attention be pursued immediately if any of these symptoms are present. Delaying medical treatment could be deadly.
An experienced Los Angeles brain injury lawyer can help you obtain financial compensation if the brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-350-8888. We represent head injury cases in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and throughout California.