A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very serious injury that could be suffered as a result of a car accident or any other situation wherein someone suffers a significant blow to the head. In some cases, they are open injuries, which may include issues like skull fractures. But it’s also very possible to have a TBI without any external evidence. In a car accident, for example, the brain can move violently within the skull as your head hits the dashboard or even the airbag and become injured as a result.
Brain injuries are concerning because they can sometimes get worse with time or even become fatal, so it’s important to talk to medical professionals if you think you may have a traumatic brain injury. How can you know if you’ve actually sustained one? You’ll need to know what signs and symptoms to look for, as experiencing multiple symptoms at the same time is a very good indicator of a potential brain injury.
Symptoms that you may experience
It is true that every brain injury is different. The severity of harm can make a big difference in the types of symptoms you may experience, as can the location of the injury or the fashion in which it was suffered. With that said, these are some of the most common symptoms that people experience after sustaining a TBI:
- Loss of consciousness, even if it is only for a very short time.
- A decreased level of consciousness, such as grogginess or wanting to sleep constantly.
- Sensory changes, like being very sensitive to lights and sounds.
- Struggling with blurred vision, dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Any change to normal sleep patterns.
- Feelings of irritability or aggression that seem to come on quickly.
- Issues with memory, such as forgetting the event that led to the injury itself.
- Trouble with speech, like not being able to find the correct word or losing your train of thought.
It’s also important to understand how to look for TBI symptoms in children, such as loss of interest in common activities, persistent crying and irritability or changes in eating habits. Children often can’t communicate how they feel, but these symptoms may indicate that they do have a TBI.
Seeking financial compensation
Any brain injury can be very dangerous and the treatment may be very expensive. Those who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident that another person caused, need to be aware of their legal options. Seeking legal guidance is a good place to start.