Traumatic Brain Injury can result from a car wreck, even when external injuries like cuts or bruises are not obvious. These internal injuries occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull and can range from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury. Consulting a medical professional is crucial if you suspect a closed head injury, as the Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms may develop gradually and take months to appear.
The Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injuries from Car Wrecks
According to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention, “In 2013, a total of approximately 2.8 million TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths (TBI-EDHDs) occurred in the United States.” Motor-vehicle crashes are consistently listed as one of the top causes of traumatic brain injuries.
Closed head injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in a car wreck. They often occur when the neck jerks at impact and the head reacts, causing the brain to slam against the skull.
Serious damage, such as bruising or bleeding in the brain, can result from this collision. However, these injuries are not always visible from the outside. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a medical professional after an accident. Understanding the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can also help in identifying and addressing the injury early.
Mild Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, physical and psychological damage from a traumatic brain injury can range from mild to severe. Recognizing a few of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is suffering from a traumatic brain injury; these symptoms can be present in other illnesses or conditions as well. In any case, it is helpful as a starting point to be aware of the signs of a closed head injury, such as the following mild symptoms:
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- Headaches
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or disoriented
- Sensory changes such as a consistent bland taste, ringing in ears, blurry vision or decreased ability to smell
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems such as difficulty going to sleep or oversleeping
- Concentration or memory difficulty
- Depression
Severe Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The Mayo Clinic also suggests that more moderate to severe symptoms can show up within the first few hours or days after a head injury. If you are experiencing any of these effects, seek medical attention as soon as possible:
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- Minutes to hours of a decreased level of consciousness
- Seizures or convulsions
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Dilation in the pupils
- Neurological problems such as a loss of balance, coordination or slurred speech
- Continual nausea and vomiting
- Headaches that do not subside or get worse
- Numbness in the extremities
- Significant confusion
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Contact Your Auto Accident Lawyer Today!
If you have noticed any of the symptoms outlined above due to a car accident, you might be experiencing a fracture of the skull or more significant trauma to the brain. Please schedule a free consultation with our auto accident lawyers in Dallas, Texas by calling us today at 1-800-834-0000 and let us help.