Car accidents can lead to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). You can sustain these after getting a violent jolt to the head or when a sharp object penetrates the skull as a result of the impact.
You can completely recover after getting a mild form of a brain injury, like a concussion. However, severe TBI may have more dangerous effects, such as coma and even death. If you got in a serious car accident, here are the symptoms to watch out for.
Indicators of a traumatic brain injury
Signs of mild brain injury include confusion, dizziness and headache. You may also hear distracting ringing in your ears, which should dissipate a couple of hours after the accident.
You may also have trouble recollecting events leading up to the accident. Memory impairment is one of the indicators of a mild TBI. Blurred vision is also a symptom of the condition.
Meanwhile, severe TBI has more dangerous indicators, such as repeated vomiting. If you feel nauseous after a collision, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Slurred speech and slow processing of information are also signs of serious brain injury. Feeling weak in the legs or arms are also dangerous indicators.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. You should also limit your movements while waiting for help to avoid aggravating your injuries.
The aftermath of sustaining serious brain injuries
Treatments for severe TBI include surgery to remove damaged or dead brain tissue or blood clots. A physician may order surgery to relieve pressure in the skill or repair bone fractures.
You may also have to take medications to reduce the risks associated with TBI. Drugs that your doctor may prescribe include anti-anxiety, anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants.
Moreover, rehabilitation therapies may also help treat your symptoms. You may undergo physical therapies to build strength or psychological counseling to help you work through the trauma of the accident. If you develop a speech disorder due to your injury, you may also need speech therapy.