Recognizing the Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

A car accident can be a frightening experience, whether it is a minor bump or a multi-car pileup. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who have been involved in a collision are often shaken up and unsure of what steps they should take to seek medical attention and deal with insurance claims and repairs.

In the chaos and confusion that results in the aftermath of a crash, people may not be aware of the extent of their injuries. Brain injuries are especially common in car accidents, but their symptoms may not be immediately evident. Anyone who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the signs that they have received a serious brain injury.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

While people may experience the effects of a traumatic brain injury immediately after an accident, symptoms can sometimes take days or even weeks to appear. People who have been in an accident should watch for the following signs of a mild brain injury:

• Loss of consciousness for a few seconds or a few minutes;
• Confusion or disorientation, including feeling dazed, dizzy, or lightheaded;
• Headaches;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Drowsiness or sleeping longer than usual;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Sensory problems, including blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light or sound;
• Difficulties with memory or concentration; and
• Depression, anxiety, or mood swings.

The following symptoms can indicate a severe brain injury, and they will usually appear within a few hours or days after an accident:

• Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours;
• Persistent headaches that get worse over time;
• Repeated nausea or vomiting;
• Seizures or convulsions;
• Dilated pupils in one or both eyes or an inability to focus;
• Inability to wake up after sleeping;
• Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears;
• Serious disorientation, confusion, or memory loss;
• Slurring of speech; and
• Loss of muscle control or numbness in extremities.

Parents should be especially aware of the symptoms that may appear in children who are too young to communicate what they are experiencing, including:

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits;
• Continued crying that cannot be consoled;
• Irritability; and
• A loss of interest in toys or activities that they usually enjoy.

If you or a family member is experiencing any of these symptoms following an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Calling 911 and receiving assistance from emergency medical professionals will help ensure that you are carefully transported to a medical facility without causing further damage.

Contact a Waukegan Personal Injury Attorney

If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, the skilled attorneys of Salvi & Maher, LLP can help you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Contact a Lake County personal injury lawyer today at 847-662-330 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/basics/symptoms/con-20029302

https://www.healthline.com/health/head-injury#symptoms4