Accidents such as slip-and-falls or car crashes may result in traumatic brain injury. It is important to receive the medical help you need in the time following the car accident and to identify conditions, including TBI, that may not always be apparent right away.
If you suffer from TBI or other injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue legal action to recover damages.
How it happens
TBI can occur as a result of an impact to the head. In a car crash, where you may have come to a sudden stop at a high speed, TBI is possible even when there are no signs of head injury. as the force of the stop can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
Why it can take time to identify TBI
Because moderate TBI generally results in a relatively brief period of unconsciousness that can last as little as a few seconds, it can be hard to identify immediately at the scene of the accident. Other immediate symptoms may include confusion and memory impairment, but many people attribute these signs to the general shock of the accident. Even if you do go to the emergency room and get an imaging test because responders notice a head injury, the effects of TBI may not show up at this time.
Potential symptoms
In the weeks and even months after the accident, you may experience nausea, vertigo, fatigue, headaches, decreased attention span or irritability. These symptoms can point to the presence of TBI. Additionally, TBI can cause impairment in movement, speech, memory or cognition. In some cases, the signs appear gradually and can be hard to pinpoint, so it is important to see a doctor if you notice even seemingly minor changes in your health after your accident.