After a car crash, people need to file a police report and may need to arrange to have a vehicle towed to a repair shop. In some cases, there may also be a need for emergency medical care.
Drivers and passengers involved in collisions usually check themselves for injuries afterward. While some injuries are easy to identify, others are possible to overlook. Even conditions that could cause major financial challenges and lifelong symptoms are easy to ignore right after a crash. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most expensive injuries people may incur during car crashes, but they are often hard to diagnose. The following are some of the most common symptoms of a TBI after a car wreck.
Loss of consciousness
If someone is unconscious after a crash and people cannot wake them up, that is an indicator that they require emergency medical intervention. Even someone who passed out for a few seconds during or after a crash might potentially have a TBI.
Low-grade physical symptoms
The first symptoms that people may notice if they have a car crash TBI include nausea and headaches. Feeling sick to one’s stomach or vomiting, especially if the sensation lingers for quite some time, can be an indicator of a brain injury. Chronic and worsening headaches are also warning signs of TBIs.
Sensory symptoms
People often report a variety of changes in their sensory experiences after brain injuries. Ringing in the ears or blurry vision can be an indicator of an injury to the brain. Changes in taste and smell are possible. Some people even experience slurred speech and cannot communicate well with others.
Cognitive symptoms
Someone with a brain injury may feel confused or forgetful. They may have a hard time for calling information that is usually easily accessible. Other times, they may notice a change in their overall mood or a shift in how they express their personality. Some people find it difficult to make decisions because of a brain injury. Any sudden or progressive changes in cognition can be indicators of a TBI.
Changes in physical function
A brain injury can affect someone’s fine and gross motor skills. The way that they walk or their gait might change. Other times, people may develop fine motor skill issues that could affect their job performance or their favorite hobbies. Vertigo or difficulty maintaining a sense of balance can also occur after a brain injury.
A TBI can present different symptoms depending on a variety of factors. Anyone involved in a particularly violent crash, especially those who strike their heads, may require evaluation to determine the likelihood of a concussion or other TBI. Receiving a prompt diagnosis may help people get treatment and pursue compensation for car crash injuries. People who are familiar with TBI symptoms may find it easier to get the support they need after a collision.