Car crashes may cause traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury typically occurs as a result of high-level impact to the brain. Car accidents number among the most common types of trauma that often lead to TBI. The types of impact that can cause TBI range from a penetrating skull wound to simply a sharp halt after traveling at high speeds, such as often occurs during a car accident.
If you are not aware of how TBI works, you may not realize you may be suffering from one. Learning about TBI and some common symptoms you may experience can help you get the medical attention you need.
Severe TBI
TBI generally occurs in two forms: severe and mild. Severe TBI involves 30 minutes or more of loss of consciousness, as well as memory loss that can cover 24 hours or more. Some severe TBI sufferers, unfortunately, remain in an extended comatose state. Others may lose important physical or cognitive functions.
Unpredictable consequences
Because the damage can affect various areas of the brain, it can be hard or impossible for medical professionals to predict which areas of function will suffer. Symptoms of severe TBI may arise within hours or days of the accident.
Mild TBI
Mild TBI is only mild in comparison with severe TBI. Otherwise, it is still brain damage and, therefore, a dangerous condition. Initially, sufferers may sustain less than 30 minutes of unconsciousness and short-term amnesia. Due to this combination, some people may not realize they had passed out at all.
Remain alert for symptoms
Mild TBI symptoms can take a few days or even a few weeks to manifest. Thus, many accident victims go home from the emergency room thinking nothing serious happened. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, irritability and distraction. If you experience these or other changes in your physical or mental state, do not write them off as trivial; seek medical help promptly.
TBI can cause a wide range of harm. Even symptoms in the milder range can disrupt your life and affect your capacity to earn a living.