A simple fall, car accident, or even a hit on the head may seem minor at first. But inside your skull, something dangerous could be happening. A brain bleed isn’t always immediate, and it can take days, even weeks before the symptoms show up. By then, the damage might already be done.

Every year in New York, thousands of people suffer brain injuries that land them in the hospital. Some make full recoveries, while others are never the same again. And some don’t survive at all. The difference between these outcomes often comes down to one thing, and that is getting help in time. 

If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury, knowing concussion symptoms of a could save a life. And if the injury wasn’t your fault, you may have the right to hold the responsible party accountable.

What is a brain bleed?

A brain bleed is also called an intracranial hematoma. Blood vessels in the brain rupture, leaking blood into areas where it doesn’t belong. Your skull is a closed space, and when blood builds up, it puts pressure on the brain, which can lead to serious and permanent damage.

Brain bleeds happen for many reasons, but trauma is a big one. Even a seemingly minor injury can turn serious in seconds. Doctors classify brain bleeds into different types including:

• Subdural hematoma. Bleeding between the brain and its outer protective layers can be slow or rapid. The slow ones can go unnoticed for weeks, but the rapid ones could be deadly.
• Epidural hematoma. Bleeding between the skull and the protective layers around the brain often happens after a skull fracture.
• Intracerebral hematoma. Bleeding deep inside the brain tissue. The most dangerous type.

The early warning signs

Some symptoms show up right away, but often, they can creep in slowly, making them easy to dismiss. But whether they appear in minutes or months, they should never be ignored.

Look out for:

• A headache that keeps getting worse
• Vomiting that won’t stop
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Slurred speech
• Unequal pupil size
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Many of these overlap with concussion symptoms, which can make brain bleeds harder to detect. But here’s the difference. Brain bleeds don’t always stop on their own. They can grow worse over time, putting more and more pressure on the brain.

How brain bleeds are treated

The good news is that some brain bleeds stop on their own. Small ones may not need surgery, just careful monitoring. But when the bleeding is serious, doctors have to act fast.

In certain situations, a bleed may not require treatment beyond close observation if it is sufficiently small and stops with time. In order to lower your chance of a brain bleed, your doctor may need to modify your blood thinner regimen.

Larger bleeds need to be fixed surgically. A surgeon might be able to create a tiny hole in your skull and remove the blood using a suction device if it has remained liquid and hasn’t clotted. To remove the clot and stop more brain damage, physicians might need to remove a portion of your skull.

Legal action after a brain injury

A brain bleed doesn’t just affect your health but your entire life. If someone else caused your injury through negligence, reckless behavior, or a violent act, you have the right to seek compensation. A legal case could help cover:

• Hospital bills and long-term care
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Takeaway

Brain bleeds don’t always announce themselves right away. Some symptoms take time to show up. Others come suddenly and without warning. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body and get checked after any head injury. What seems like a minor bump today could turn into something life-threatening tomorrow.

And if your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, don’t stay silent. You have the right to seek help from a personal injury lawyer.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.