Getting into a car accident is terrifying, especially if you have experienced a traumatic brain injury. In some cases, victims can’t feel the severity of their injuries after an accident due to the intensity of the adrenaline rush. They might start showing symptoms early on, so it’s crucial to address them immediately. Read on to learn more about traumatic brain injury and what to look out for if you or your loved one has recently experienced a major car accident.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that results from a violent jolt or blow to the head or body. This blow can occur when a sudden physical assault causes extreme damage to the brain, resulting in injuries that range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage or sometimes even death. According to Hopkins Medicine, some of the most common causes of TBI are car accidents, falls or physical violence. Unfortunately, some symptoms of TBI aren’t always apparent and could cause severe disability if not addressed properly.
Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussions
Symptoms of TBI, especially mild TBI and concussion, are quite similar to symptoms of headaches or feeling sick, so it’s important to know what signs to look out for if you suspect having TBI. According to Brain Injury Canada, the following are a few symptoms of mild TBI and concussion to keep an eye out for if you recently experienced a severe car accident:
Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Vision Problems
- Dizziness/ Balance Problems
- Feeling Tired/ No Energy
- Vomiting or Nausea
Emotional Symptoms:
- Irritability or Getting Angered Easily
- Feeling Overly Anxious or Nervous
- Feeling Sadness
- Feeling More Emotional than Usual
Sleep Symptoms:
- Trouble Falling Asleep
- Sleeping Less than Usual
- Sleeping More than Usual
Cognitive Symptoms
- Feeling Foggy or Groggy
- Experiencing Attention or Concentration Problems
- Experiencing Problems with Short – or Long-Term Memory
- Trouble Thinking Clearly
For each person, symptoms of TBI and concussion are quite different. You may be experiencing nausea early on and having terrible headaches, whereas another individual may notice that a week or two after the injury, they feel more emotional than usual or sleeping less than usual. If you suspect having any TBI symptoms, you must visit the ER as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Moderate and Severe TBI
Moderate and severe TBI symptoms are more apparent than mild TBI symptoms, and you must call 9-1-1 or visit the ER right away if you or a loved one is suffering from any of the following symptoms:
- Repeatedly vomiting
- Having a headache that only gets worse and doesn’t go away
- Having trouble recognizing people, remembering places, getting confused or agitated
- Having one pupil more dilated than the other
- Experiencing numbness, convulsions, weakness or seizures
- Losing consciousness or feeling like you cannot wake up
- Having slurred speech
- Experiencing any unusual physical behaviour
Do not wait to get these symptoms checked out and seek medical attention immediately.
Speak With An Injury Lawyer
Caring for an individual who has just been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury is not an easy task to do. You might feel scared, confused and overwhelmed that a loved one is currently suffering from TBI that you don’t have the time or energy to follow through with any legal actions.
At James H. Brown and Associates, we understand firsthand the challenges of being seriously injured and feeling overwhelmed with the legalities of the accident. That is why our team of traumatic brain injury lawyers offers full legal services and support to all our clients, allowing them to completely concentrate on their well-being while we fight for their rights. Contact us today and schedule a free evaluation claim with one of our lawyers to access the legal advice you and your family need.
