Whether you are the victim of a serious car collision or a minor fender bender, you may receive a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident. Brain injuries are involved in approximately 30 percent of all injury deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motor vehicle accidents are the third leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits and deaths. By understanding how to spot the signs of traumatic brain damage, you may be able to seek immediate medical attention and maximize your chances of recovery.
Any sudden impact to the head can cause the brain to reverberate within the hard skull cavity. This can cause brain bleeding, bruising and inflammation. While some people are able to identify the signs of brain damage immediately, others may take days, weeks or months to acknowledge the problem. During this time, the brain damage may worsen, as the tissue continues to swell and put pressure on the brain.
Symptoms of brain trauma may include the following:
- Consistent headaches and dizziness.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Muscle weakness and tingling in the extremities.
- Seizure and convulsions.
- Sensory deficits, including hearing, vision and understanding language.
- Fatigue, trouble concentrating and memory loss.
Depending on what part of the brain was injured and the degree of impact can determine how severe the aftereffects are. Studies show that even mild brain damage can produce long-lasting cognitive damage, which can make it difficult to work and engage in everyday activities.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
