Brain injuries are very common after a car accident. Even in their mildest form, these catastrophic injuries are often life-changing. If you were involved in a crash in Texas, you might want to look out for certain signs that you’ve suffered this type of injury.
Understanding traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a person receives a strong blow to the head or when a projectile penetrates the skull. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms. If you sustain a TBI during a car crash, the signs may not show for hours, days or even weeks.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury
Symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the impact. Although it’s more likely to suffer after a serious crash, it’s possible to develop the injury from a minor fender bender as well. In milder cases, you can experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, memory issues, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, tinnitus and sensitivity to light. You may also from suffer anxiety or depression, concentration problems, sleeping issues and mood swings.
Moderate to severe brain injuries can lead to more serious symptoms. You might have slurred speech, fluid drainage from your nose or ears, seizures, debilitating headache, agitation, balance and coordination problems, difficulty waking from sleep, numbness in the extremities and coma. These problems can worsen and should be considered serious. If you cannot stay conscious, it should be considered a medical emergency.
Why you should seek medical attention
TBIs might lie dormant for a period of time, but even if suspect you’ve sustained a mild case, medical attention might give you a good chance of recovery. Untreated, a TBI could be serious and lead to permanent problems or even death. It’s better to be safe than sorry.