Did you sustain a TBI in your car accident?

Traumatic brain injury occurs when the head endures an intense blow or jolt or when an object penetrates the skull and reaches the brain tissue. Though TBIs can occur in several ways, one of the most common causes is a car accident.

TBIs may temporarily affect your brain cells or cause long-term complications. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may develop immediately after the causing incident or days to weeks afterward. Because a TBI can result in long-term complications and possibly death, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a TBI so you can seek appropriate medical attention.

Symptoms of TBI

According to Mayo Clinic, a traumatic brain injury can cause a range of psychological and physical symptoms. Symptoms of a mild TBI may include headache, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, speech difficulties, loss of balance, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound and sensory issues. You may also experience mood changes, feelings of anxiety and depression, sleep troubles and concentration problems. An immediate sign of TBI includes loss of consciousness, confusion and disorientation.

If you develop a more severe TBI, you may experience seizures or convulsions, persistent or worsening headache, clear fluids draining from the nose and/or ears, loss of coordination, feelings of numbness in the limbs, profound confusion and agitation. This is in addition to the same symptoms of a mild TBI.

When to see a doctor

If you sustain a serious blow to the head, the best thing you can do is to seek medical attention right away. Though no treatment exists for TBI, your doctor can provide tips for managing one as well as advice on how to avoid aggravating it.

A TBI can drastically affect your health and life. If you suspect you have a TBI after a car accident, get medical records of it just in case you need them for a future legal case.