Car accidents are a traumatizing experience for anyone who goes through them. Not only do they cause physical harm to your vehicle, but most importantly, car accidents risk your health. Some car accidents are much worse than others, and many people sustain severe injuries from them.
Many of these cases involve traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can be detected shortly after the accident or much later. These are serious injuries that can range from minor to catastrophic.
What is a traumatic brain injury or TBI?
A TBI is one of the most severe injuries associated with car accidents, and symptoms can appear immediately or much later. In fact, many people who suffer TBIs do not know they have the injury for months after the car accident, and only then begin presenting symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of a TBI
While the brain can heal from a traumatic brain injury, it is critical to receive medical attention right away and to remain alert after the accident for possible signs of delayed symptoms, such as:
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty thinking
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Extreme tiredness
- Mood changes or depression
- Difficulty speaking
- Emotional problems
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Coma
Some of these symptoms sound serious, and indeed, they are. For this reason, knowing that a person can develop symptoms long after a car accident is critical.
Remaining alert for delayed signs and symptoms
The person involved in the accident and the people closest to them must remain alert and stay on top of the accident victim’s health to ensure that they receive medical care promptly if a symptom develops.
Car accidents can range from non-serious to catastrophic. Even in accidents that do not seem as serious, a person can sustain trauma to the brain. Thus, it is critical to watch for any signs, symptoms and changes in the person’s health that may indicate something is wrong.
