Car accidents are so common in the Lake Charles area that many people are becoming desensitized to them. They shrug off their significance until they are in one and forced to deal with the aftermath. Many of them also assume that most car accidents they may be involved in will result in minor injuries at most. It is far more common for individuals to sustain broken bones, brain trauma and die from their wounds in car accidents than it is for them to emerge from their vehicles unscathed.
One of the most “common ways for people to end up with brain injuries is from motor vehicle accidents,” states MayoClinic.org. Although they are among the most severe types of trauma a person can experience, symptoms are not always readily noticeable to the victims and emergency personnel who are on the scene. Car accident victims who have severe brain injuries usually show signs of their wounds. But some individuals who experience mild to moderate brain trauma, may not show any symptoms until several hours and days later.
Recognizing brain injuries
It is important for everyone to know what symptoms to look for that indicate there is damage to their brains and to get immediate medical treatment. They should not rely solely on the presence of blood, lacerations and noticeable bruising. According to FindLaw, symptoms of car accident-induced brain injuries include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Muscle and limb weakness
- Significant vision changes
- Concussions
- Loss of consciousness
There are other signs of traumatic head trauma that victims and their loved ones should remain aware of, such as personality changes, significant drowsiness and memory problems. The possibility of brain injuries is often overlooked by people who otherwise assume they are fine after car accidents. Untreated, brain injuries can lead to more serious medical conditions, disability, life-long care, a diminished quality of life and death.
Anyone who is involved in a car accident (regardless of damage and speed) should seek out medical attention immediately after their incident and again several days later to rule out the presence of traumatic head trauma.