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Humans have five core senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. If we lose one of these senses, it can have a significant impact on our quality of life. This is particularly true for people who have come to rely on the use of all five senses and lose one suddenly after an accident. Loss of smell is, unfortunately, a common occurrence that is related to traumatic brain injuries.
While it may not be obvious, a loss of smell can negatively impact your life in a number of ways. Most significantly, it may affect your taste buds. Food may not taste good when you lose your sense of smell, in the same way that nothing tastes good when you have a cold and have a stuffy nose. As a result, many people who lose their sense of smell (also known as traumatic anosmia) suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
At Solnick Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims of all types of accidents recover for their losses. We have seen the results of traumatic brain injuries, including loss of smell, and want to help victims obtain the compensation that they deserve so that they can move forward with their lives. With over 25 years of combined experience, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys can help you if you have been hurt in any type of accident. Contact us today at 215-481-9979 or online to schedule a free initial consultation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by any bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. They can range in severity from mild to severe, with symptoms including a brief loss of consciousness to memory loss after the injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs are relatively common in the United States. In 2013 alone, there were approximately 2.8 million TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. In that same year:
In the United States, falls are the number one cause of TBIs. 47% of all TBIs were related to falls. Most victims of fall-related TBI were either children (aged 0 to 14) or over the age of 65. The other leading causes of TBIs in the United States include:
The persons most at risk for traumatic brain injuries include older Americans, particularly those over the age of 75.
Symptoms of a TBI will depend on the severity of the injury. They might include a headache (which may be severe), loss of consciousness, sensitivity to lights and sound, a loss of motor or sensory functions, changes in personality and difficulty with a sense of smell. As a Philadelphia personal injury attorney can explain, if a person experiences any of these symptoms after an injury to their head, they should seek medical attention immediately.
The olfactory nerve controls our sense of smell. This nerve is one of twelve cranial nerves, each of which controls a different function in our body. The olfactory nerve is rooted in the brain and travels through the skull until it reaches the olfactory bulb, located in the nose. The olfactory bulb helps to regulate our sense of smell.
If a person suffers a traumatic brain injury, particularly one that involves an impact to the front of the brain, it could lead to damage to the olfactory nerve. In turn, this could cause anosmia, which is the loss of the sense of smell.
If you have been in any type of accident involving a traumatic brain injury, you may experience a wide range of symptoms — including a loss of the sense of smell. While it may not seem serious, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life and your overall health. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The law firm of Solnick Lawyers works to help victims of accidents achieve justice. We know how devastating traumatic brain injuries can be, and we want to help ease our clients’ stress by guiding them through the process of filing a legal claim for their injuries. After a careful investigation, we aggressively negotiate settlements or take cases to trial when necessary. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office today at 215-481-9979 or via our online portal.
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