A car accident may not seem like it injured you, especially if you could walk away from the accident. What you may not know about car accident injuries is that you can receive a life-threatening injury that presents little to no visual symptoms at the scene of the accident. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are extremely difficult to spot without serious medical training, which may be why 50,000 people die of them every year.
A traumatic brain injury doesn’t always need to be a massive blow to the skull. Even violent shaking of the head can be enough to cause considerable damage to the brain. Knowing the signs of these injuries may make a difference in whether or not you get the necessary treatment in time. Here are five common signs of a traumatic brain injury:
Trouble with sleep
Consequences of a TBI can manifest as difficulties falling asleep or trouble sleeping too much. If your sleep pattern drastically changes following a car accident, it may be because of a TBI.
Balance issues
A TBI can cause difficulties in a victim being able to walk in a straight line, stand without assistance, or even feel overwhelmed with dizziness at random times. Internal hemorrhaging in the skull can apply too much pressure on the brain, which may be a cause of these symptoms.
Unusual pupil dilation
When a brain has received significant amounts of damage, it may affect its ability to control the body. A typical sign of this lack of control is the unusual dilations of your pupils. If your pupils fail to react to direct exposure to light or are not dilating evenly, it may indicate serious head trauma.
Nausea or vomiting
When a traumatic brain injury impacts your body’s equilibrium, the dizziness may become overwhelming. This dizziness can cause victims to feel nauseous for extended periods and may even result in them vomiting without warning or cause.
Memory difficulties
Suppose you have trouble retaining new information after the accident or having a gap in your memory immediately before or after your accident. In that case, a traumatic brain injury may be the cause. Do not confuse forgetfulness for a life-threatening injury.
Do not take your health for granted
If you are presenting these or any other unusual symptoms following your car accident, you may be suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Paramedics and even doctors can miss the signs of a TBI, so do not assume your first clean bill of health is accurate. If you suspect you may be suffering from a traumatic brain injury, go to a hospital immediately and seek medical attention.
