Learn how to spot signs of a potential brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious type of injury that people can suffer in a car accident. TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments.
But unlike other injuries, victims in a crash may not be aware that they have suffered a brain injury. The signs and symptoms are not always obvious. In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, here's a look at how to recognize whether you may have suffered a TBI following a crash.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TBI
Here are some common symptoms of TBI that can develop after a car accident:
Physical symptoms
These include:
- Headache - Victims can experience dull, aching pain or pressure around the head. Headaches can range from mild to severe and throbbing.
- Dizziness – There can also be a loss of balance or a feeling of lightheadedness.
- Nausea and vomiting – This could indicate there is damage to the part of the brain that controls bodily functions.
- Fatigue – Excessive tiredness and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms.
- Seizures – In more severe cases, victims may experience convulsions, loss of consciousness, and unusual movements or behaviors.
- Sensory issues – There may be changes in vision, hearing, taste, or smell.
- Sleep disturbances – Victims may have trouble sleeping or experience excessive sleepiness.
- Neck pain – The force of impact in a collision can cause the head to suddenly jolt forward and then backward, causing whiplash. This same motion can also result in the brain hitting the inside of the skull.
Cognitive symptoms
These include:
- Confusion – Disorientation, difficulty thinking clearly, and feeling foggy are common signs.
- Memory problems – Difficulty recalling events before or after the accident or experiencing short-term memory lapses.
- Concentration difficulties – Trouble focusing, paying attention, or completing tasks.
- Speech and language Issues – Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or problems with comprehension can occur.
Emotional and behavioral changes
These include:
- Irritability – Increased frustration, impatience, or a short temper.
- Anxiety and depression – Anxiety can appear as persistent worry, fear, or panic attacks. Depression is often marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
- Personality changes – Behavioral shifts, mood swings, or difficulty controlling emotions might be present.
- Social withdrawal – There may be a loss of interest in social activities or withdrawal from loved ones.
It's important to remember that not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly. While some symptoms may appear immediately following the accident, others may take hours, days, or even weeks to appear. That's why it's so important to get medical attention as soon as possible if you've been in a car accident.
Seeking legal help after a head or brain injury
If you suffered a TBI in a car crash, you deserve financial compensation. But the negligent driver that caused your crash may deny doing anything wrong. The insurance company may dispute the extent of your injury and try to pay you as little as possible. They'll use different tactics, all designed to pay you less.
That's why you need a lawyer who takes a no-B.S. approach. Attorney Byron Browne of Browne Law Group knows the games that insurance companies play. He builds strong cases and determines the total amount of damages you suffered as a result of your injuries. He is committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation possible.
If you suffered a TBI in a Gilbert, AZ car crash, get the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer on your side. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.