After a crash, the physical consequences may not manifest immediately. Some injuries, such as those to the brain, may not provide any apparent signs.
A traumatic brain injury may become life-altering. Understanding what to look for after an accident may save your life. Find out some of the signs your crash resulted in more than a few bruises.
The mechanics of a brain injury
Most brain injuries happen after a head impact that causes a bruise, cut or pain. In a crash, however, this may not occur. Your brain does not take up the entire space of your skull, and because of this, it may move around. When the brain tissue hits the skull, it may cause damage you do not know is there.
The physical symptoms of a TBI
A traumatic brain injury or TBI means the brain’s tissue suffered damage. The most significant sign of a brain injury is a headache. While headaches may come on regularly for you, they probably resolve with minimal intervention. However, a TBI headache worsens as the hours and days go on. If you also experience extreme fatigue, insomnia, nausea, vomiting or visual changes, you may have a TBI.
The cognitive changes to look out for
Along with physical symptoms, a TBI may manifest in the way your brain functions. If you find it difficult to come up with words or you experience memory lapses, these may point to a brain injury. Drastic mood swings and personality changes are also common in TBIs.
When the brain sustains any damage, it may ripple into something major. Your first line of defense against crippling consequences after a crash is a complete medical checkup, whether you feel you need it or not.