Some car crash injuries are obvious and require immediate emergency care. Those with spinal cord injuries may not be able to move. Those who suffer traumatic amputations could be at risk of dying without immediate medical assistance.
It is actually possible for people to sustain life-altering injuries without realizing it at first. Some crash injuries are internal. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe internal injuries possible after a motor vehicle collision. People can hurt their brains by hitting their heads or by experiencing violent motion during a collision. If they don’t know the symptoms of a TBI, they could overlook their injuries for days.
What are some of the warning signs that can help people identify a brain injury after a wreck?
Some warning signs are immediate
The early warning signs of a TBI can be easy to overlook at first. Some people lose consciousness briefly during or right after a crash. They may think that they fainted or passed out due to fear or stress. However, a loss of consciousness even for a brief moment is often an indicator that someone could have injured their brain.
They may notice nausea or may actually vomit. Others may experience headaches that start immediately after the crash. Anyone feeling nauseous or dizzy after a car crash may need to see a doctor for proper diagnostic support.
Many symptoms take days to develop
One reason people find TBIs difficult to identify is that symptoms don’t always arise instantly. Instead, it can take several days for any significant changes to occur. As the swelling or bleeding inside the skull continues, people can develop worsening symptoms or new symptoms.
Those symptoms can include sensory challenges. Some people have blurry vision or ringing in their ears. Others have difficulty communicating and may have slurred speech. Some people with TBIs may have physical symptoms. They may notice a change in how they walk or their sense of balance. They may experience a loss of strength or coordination.
Others may notice cognitive or mental changes. They may have more difficulty recalling certain information or making decisions. Other people around them may report a change in their overall mood or personality.
TBI symptoms can often become permanent without prompt intervention from medical professionals. Recognizing early warning signs and also the difficulty inherent in self-diagnosis can help people with brain injuries get the proper treatment.
Car crash brain injuries may require complex insurance claims or even a lawsuit because of the costs that they may inspire. The sooner people obtain a diagnosis, the better their chances of securing compensation from the party at fault for the crash.
