Traumatic brain injuries after a car crash
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | April 4, 2023 | Catastrophic Injuries
One of the worst things that could happen to Florida residents is getting into a car accident and suffering injuries. A traumatic brain injury is common after a crash, but it may not always be apparent. This is what to know about this injury and how to deal with it.
Understanding traumatic brain injury
Catastrophic injuries like a traumatic brain injury can develop after a crash when an object penetrates the person’s skull or when they suffer a harsh blow to the head. With a severe wreck, this can happen when glass shatters or objects fly around inside the vehicle or the victim hits their head into the steering wheel, dashboard or airbag.
Unfortunately, the effects of a TBI aren’t always immediate. In some cases, the victim may not realize they’ve suffered an injury until several hours or even days after the accident. This underscores the urgency of seeking medical attention even if you feel fine immediately after the car crash.
Symptoms of a TBI
Depending on the severity of the injury, a TBI can result in various symptoms. A milder concussion often causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue, balance issues, difficulty concentrating, light and sound sensitivity and nausea and vomiting. Some people who sustain mild TBIs don’t lose consciousness, but others do.
For a moderate to severe TBI, symptoms of concussion are often elevated. Additional symptoms include agitation, confusion, seizures, fluid draining from the nose or ears, numbness or weakness in the fingers and toes, exaggerated changes in behavior, speech problems, difficulty waking and coma.
If doctors suspect a TBI, they use the Glasgow Coma Scale to make a diagnosis. This test uses 15 points to determine the person’s level of consciousness and whether the injury is mild, moderate or severe.
Seeking medical attention is crucial after a crash. If you have suffered a TBI, you can get treatment and potentially make a full recovery.