Brain Injury Symptoms After A Car Accident

Perhaps one of the most convenient methods to get around nowadays is by driving a car. Knowing how to drive is a useful skill, especially if you need to go to different places often. Some also enjoy the feeling of cruising on a freeway without any traffic or simply going for a trip to the countryside.  

It’s so easy to become lax behind the wheel when you know that the chances of getting in an accident are low. However, a split second of misjudgment or negligence can quickly turn your road trip into a horrifying experience.

One common injury that can happen as a result of a car crash is a brain injury. Varying degrees of brain injuries can occur in many ways depending on how the crash happens. A passenger can hit their head against parts of the vehicle’s interior, leading to head trauma. The sudden force upon impact can also jerk the body and cause injuries.  

The severity of brain injuries from car accidents varies. Some can be relatively minor, while others can be life-threatening. Sometimes, what seems to be a minor traumatic brain injury can turn into a more severe condition. This is why it’s helpful to learn how to recognize the symptoms of brain injuries.  

Bleeding  

The most visible symptom you need to watch out for if you’re ever involved in a car accident is a laceration on the head. A sudden impact on the vehicle you’re in can cause you to hit your head on something hard such as the car’s windshield or the steering wheel. If you suffer from blunt force trauma, there’s a possibility you’ll have cuts that will result in bleeding. 

If your injury isn’t too severe, you’d be lucky to walk away with just a cut on your head that’ll heal in no time. However, there are cases where the bleeding, or lack thereof, can indicate a possible brain injury.

One major problem you can encounter because of a car accident is bleeding in your brain. With a brain rupture, blood pools inside your skull. Since bones can’t expand, the blood will press on various areas such as your softer brain tissue. This part of the brain is delicate and, if damaged, can malfunction or stop working altogether.

A person experiencing continuous bleeding in the brain can have breathing problems. The added pressure on the brain may also affect areas controlling your heart rate and consciousness.  

If you find yourself in a car accident or happen to witness one, it’s vital that you check if anyone is heavily injured. Although there’s not much you can do on the scene, knowing how to spot signs of possible brain injury can help save a person’s life. You can read Peddicord & Townsend’s informative post to be more aware of a brain injury’s causes and symptoms.  

Nausea

One sign of brain injury you should watch out for is nausea or vomiting. An accident caused by overspeeding or a head-to-head collision of cars can cause you to feel nauseated since your body is flung in all directions due to the intensity of the impact. This is a common symptom of mild traumatic brain injury that usually goes away once you’ve settled or calmed down.

If you’re involved in a crash, it’s vital that you discuss everything you’re feeling with the first responders so they can relay it to a doctor once you arrive at a hospital. Even if you don’t show any visible signs of brain damage, it’s best to still undergo a complete examination to determine if you’re suffering from brain trauma.  

Speech Problems 

Your brain is in charge of all the functions in your body, meaning that even the slightest pressure on your head can lead to various impairments. Some car crash victims experience some type of problem with their speech. This can happen if the part of your brain in charge of your ability to communicate is injured.

If you hit your head, there’s a possibility that your Broca’s area, which is in charge of your speech ability, will get damaged. You may have difficulty speaking or interpreting what’s being said to you. Once this happens, it’s advisable to seek medical attention even after you receive first aid treatment.  

Sensory Problems

You may also suffer from some sensory problems if you injure your brain during a car crash. Blurred vision, ringing in your ears, light sensitivity, and loss of balance can also indicate that you have a brain injury.  

If you receive immediate medical care, there’s a possibility that a medical professional can help alleviate your symptoms and prevent your injury from worsening. However, if you’re not attended to immediately, a severe brain injury can lead to permanent physical or cognitive disabilities. It’s vital that you watch out for any sensory symptoms if you hit your head so you can seek proper medical attention.  

Memory Loss 

Temporary or permanent memory loss can occur if you experience a brain injury. This complication can manifest right after a concussion or slowly progress over time. Some short-term memory loss symptoms are confusion, difficulty saying the right word, inability to recall information, or even remembering simple instructions. 

Some cases of memory loss are temporary. However, some patients have to endure this condition for the rest of their lives since their cases are irreversible. Patients with short-term memory loss can enter a rehabilitation program to help manage their illness.  

There’s also a possibility that a severe brain injury victim will suffer from more severe forms of memory loss. This condition’s effects can last for a lifetime and permanently affect a person’s quality of life.

Final Thoughts 

It’s not uncommon for victims of vehicle collisions to suffer from some form of head and brain injury. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to walk away with a minor concussion or a few stitches on your head. However, there are cases where the effects of brain damage are irreversible and severe.  

It’s vital that you know how to recognize brain injury symptoms, especially after a car accident, since it can help prevent a person’s condition from getting worse. Of course, the best way to avoid any form of injury while driving is to follow traffic laws and stay attentive when you’re on the road.