Across the US, 3 million people get injured in car crashes every year. While some of these car accident injuries are minor cuts and scratches, many of these millions of people sustain serious physical and psychological damage as a result of their injuries.
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious. That said, the symptoms aren’t always as obvious or dire as you might expect.
So, what are some of the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury to look out for? Keep reading to find out how to recognize different types of head injuries.
1. Head Wound
A visible head wound is one of the most obvious signs that you need to contact a brain injury lawyer and find out how to proceed following a car accident. Head wounds can result in bleeding from the head, face, ears, or nose, but not always. Other signs include fluid leakage from the nose and ears or black and blue discoloration on the face.
2. Other Physical Symptoms
You may not have a bleeding head wound, but there are several other physical signs and symptoms that you may have suffered a serious head injury. These can include headaches, blurred vision, balance problems, and dizziness. Likewise, people experiencing nausea and vomiting or even fatigue after a recent car accident should see a doctor right away.
3. Thinking and Memory Problems
Many types of brain injuries don’t present themselves straight away. So, while you might not have any clear physical wounds or symptoms of head trauma, you need to also look out for issues that might indicate some kind of brain injury. Some more common problems can include difficulty retaining new information, memory gaps, lack of focus, confusion, and jumbled thought processes.
4. Mood Changes
Car accidents can be traumatic, stressful events whether you sustain any injuries or not. But if you notice sudden emotional changes in your behavior, you may be experiencing one of the less obvious signs of various types of traumatic brain injury. These changes can include feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or nervousness.
5. Changes in Energy Levels and Sleep Patterns
Some types of traumatic brain injury can cause changes in energy levels and sleep patterns. You may feel more tired than usual, sluggish, or lacking the energy to complete simple tasks. Alongside these signs, some car accident victims can experience insomnia symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, or they may find themselves waking up more often during the night or sleeping for longer periods and unable to wake up.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
As this list shows, the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury aren’t always as clear-cut as you might have expected.
Many types of head injuries involve no outward signs of damage such as bleeding or bruising. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t serious complications happening beneath the surface.
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