You’ve likely heard the term Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) if you’ve been in a car accident. While a TBI is fairly common as the result of a car accident, it can also come from a fall, a sports injury, an assault or violence. A traumatic brain injury is serious and can have long-lasting effects.
A traumatic brain injury can result in serious consequences or death. Approximately two million people suffer from a brain injury each year and while a majority won’t require medical assistance, 200,000 will need treatment or hospitalization. Unfortunately, 50,000 will die as a result of their injuries.
A TBI happens when the brain is suddenly injured by a blow to the head. Damage to the brain comes after sudden external force and causes bleeding, bruising and tearing of the fibers. An injury to the brain can be mild, moderate or severe – the symptoms you exhibit will determine the degree of your injury and the consequences it might have. The effects can be mild and temporary, resulting in a slight concussion or more severe, resulting in a brain bleed or unconsciousness.
Symptoms of a TBI
There are many symptoms to watch for and be aware of if you’ve been in a car accident or have experienced a blow to the head. You should be looking for:
- Blurred vision
- Unconsciousness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Sensory issues like ringing in the ears
Some symptoms occur at the time of the initial injury, but what happens in the following days and weeks, like brain swelling, can often be more serious with additional complications.
Even if you don’t have symptoms or show signs of distress at the time of the initial injury, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation. A traumatic brain injury can have life-long effects, so it will be critical to catch and treat early.
