While some injuries after a car accident are easily apparent in the form of visible bruises, lacerations and broken bones, others are harder to identify. There is a chance that you could suffer a traumatic brain injury without knowing it, which can lead to a delayed, yet vital, medical diagnosis.
The Mayo Clinic breaks down a number of common symptoms associated with TBIs. See if any sound familiar to you to determine whether you should visit a physician as soon as possible.
Mild traumatic brain injury
There are different degrees of TBI. Some physical symptoms associated with a mild injury include:
- A loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble speaking
Mental and sensory symptoms of this level of brain injury consist of:
- Depression or anxiety
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Light sensitivity
Know that symptoms can appear either immediately after an accident, or several weeks later.
Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
As for moderate-to-severe TBIs, examples of physical symptoms include:
- Vomit or nausea
- Pupil dilation
- Clear fluid tricking from the nose or ears
- Trouble waking up from sleep
Sensory and mental indications may include:
- Slurred speech
- Out-of-character behavior, such as aggression
- Disorientation
It is vital to take action if you or anyone else notices the above symptoms in you after an auto accident.
TBIs may require extensive (and expensive) recovery. Those who sustained their injuries because of an auto accident caused by another person’s negligence deserve proper compensation. Sitting down with a legal consultant to build a case and explore your options makes for a vital first step for your current situation.