What Are Signs Of A Brain Injury After A Serious Car Accident?

Motor Vehicles Accidents - February 21, 2020

Brain injuries can be devastating for victims of car accidents. Unfortunately, they are also often hard to detect, and they have a wide range of symptoms. Brain injuries are not usually as visible as injuries like broken bones, lacerations, or bruises. There are varying levels of severity when it comes to brain injuries, and any incident that could cause brain trauma needs to be taken seriously.

Regardless of what type of car accident a person has been in, there is a chance they could sustain a brain injury. Both low-speed and high-speed accidents can result in brain injuries if a person sustains a blow to the head. It is vital that a person seek medical assistance as soon as possible after a car crash so a doctor can fully evaluate them and determine the extent of their injuries.

Common signs and symptoms of a car accident brain injury

Please keep in mind that a person may experience one or a combination of the following symptoms after sustaining a car accident brain injury.

Some of the indications of a serious brain injury include:

  • loss of or change in consciousness (immediate or after the incident)
  • decreased level of consciousness
  • clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
  • difficultly awakening a suspected injury victim
  • unequal dilation of the pupils
  • double vision
  • convulsions or seizures
  • nausea and vomiting
  • any new neurologic deficit, such as slurred speech; weakness of arms, legs, or face; loss of balance

However, there are also less subtle signs and symptoms that you need to be aware of, including:

  • headache
  • light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance or coordination
  • blurred vision or seeing stars
  • ringing in ears
  • bad taste in the mouth
  • sudden loss of sense of smell or taste
  • sensitivity to lights or sounds
  • mood changes or swings, agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
  • feelings of depression or anxiety
  • fatigue or drowsiness
  • a lack of energy or motivation
  • changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual)
  • problems remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
  • slowed thinking processes

Some symptoms are immediate, while others develop over time

While the most serious car accident brain injuries will be immediately apparent, many will not be visible. Some brain injury victims show no signs and symptoms for long periods after an accident, but that does not mean they are unharmed. In many cases, the brain will continue to swell long after an accident occurs. A victim may think they are unharmed and go home after a crash only to develop these symptoms later.

For those who do not seek medical care immediately after a car accident, they must do so as soon as they recognize they are feeling unwell. If you see any of these signs and symptoms in a loved one who has recently been involved in a car accident, call 911 or get to the emergency room immediately. The sooner you receive medical care for a brain injury, the less likely you will be to sustain long-term disabilities. If your brain injury was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, keep all documentation of the incident and speak to a brain injury attorney in Chicago about the possibility of obtaining compensation for your injuries. Brain injuries can lead to incredibly costly medical bills that could put victims and their families into financial jeopardy.