Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common after car accidents. Even with modern safety systems like airbags and seatbelts, head injuries can and do happen.
It’s very important to identify these injuries as soon as you can. The human brain often cannot regenerate brain cells, so some kinds of damage may last forever. Additionally, some traumatic brain injuries can get worse over time. Prompt medical care is important. This means you need to know what signs and symptoms to look for if you’re ever involved in a crash.
Loss of consciousness
Any time that someone loses consciousness, they need to take this reality very seriously. Even losing consciousness for a second or two is an indicator of a significant brain injury. The longer someone loses consciousness, the more severe that injury likely is.
Cognitive changes
Naturally, brain injuries are going to lead to mental or cognitive changes. These could include things like slurred speech, combativeness, agitation or just a profound level of confusion. Such symptoms will likely be noticed by people around you, as the mental confusion itself may keep you from realizing that you’re experiencing those symptoms. But they will know that something is wrong when you’re doing things like having trouble finding the right words, getting confused about where you are or struggling to process simple information.
Physical issues
A TBI can also lead to physical symptoms, with loss of consciousness being the most serious one. But other examples include seizures, convulsions, vomiting, headaches, lack of coordination, numbness, weakness, fluid draining from the ears or nose, pupil dilation and on and on. One of the most serious symptoms occurs when someone goes to sleep and will not wake back up.
What comes next?
If you have been involved in a car accident that led to a traumatic brain injury, you may have significant medical bills to cover. Be sure you know how to seek compensation from the driver who was responsible for your harm. Seeking legal guidance is likely a good idea.