Injuries in a car wreck can not only cause damages that are more obvious with physical signs of trauma such as cuts and bruises, but they can result in internal injuries that are not easily spotted and often hard to diagnose. A closed head injury is the result of the brain being jolted inside the skull and can range from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury. It is important to consult with a medical professional when you suspect a closed head injury because as the Mayo Clinic suggests, the symptoms could vary over time and take months to flare up.
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” It goes on to point to motor-vehicle crashes as one of the top causes of traumatic brain injuries, year after year. Closed head injuries are some of the most common injuries to happen during a car wreck. A closed head injury often occurs from the jerking of the neck at impact and the reaction of the head which could cause the brain to slam against the skull. Serious damage can result from this collision, such as bruising or bleeding, but you cannot tell just by looking at the person. That’s why it’s so important to seek counsel from a medical professional. It can also help to understand the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.
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:
- 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
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.
