A traumatic brain injury is a life-changing incident that affects the injured party and the loved ones tasked with helping them recover.
Every case is unique, and each carries many unknowns. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about traumatic brain injuries following a car accident.
What are the signs of a traumatic brain injury?
Symptoms of a TBI may occur immediately or appear in the days or weeks following the accident. Mild TBIs might cause loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, sleepiness or trouble sleeping, fatigue, speech problems, dizziness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and sound, mood changes or memory problems. More severe TBI cases may lead to the symptoms above, seizures, trouble waking up, clear fluid drainage from the ears or nose, extreme agitation, slurred speech or coma.
What are the potential long-term effects of a TBI?
A TBI from a car accident can have lasting implications. Some potential long-term effects include:
- Diminished executive function skills
- Low bodily awareness
- Weakness or paralysis
- Trouble speaking, reading or writing
- Anxiety and depression
- Problems maintaining relationships
Can a TBI heal on its own?
In some cases, TBI symptoms can improve with care and rehabilitation. However, the areas of the brain that sustain damage may not ever fully heal. Instead, other parts of the brain can learn to compensate for the portions of the brain that no longer function optimally.
While recovery from traumatic brain injuries after a car accident is possible with treatment, the effects and damage are often long-lasting and significantly impact the quality of life for the injured person and their loved ones.