It takes less than a second for a car accident to happen, but the effects can last a lifetime. This is particularly true when a victim sustains a serious head injury.
According to Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, even a minor accident can cause brain trauma. However, the symptoms are not always easy to notice.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some effects of a brain injury are immediately apparent; others take several hours or days to manifest.
If you sustained a head injury in a car accident, turn to The Luke Dow Law Firm. An injury lawyer in Austin will gather evidence, interview witnesses and help you fight for the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, attorney Luke Dow has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 512-518-4104 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn about common symptoms of brain injuries:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
According to Mayo Clinic, there are several signs and symptoms that indicate a person sustained a mild TBI. These include:
- Loss of consciousness immediately after a traumatic event, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes;
- Feeling dazed, disoriented or confused;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Headaches;
- Drowsiness;
- Insomnia;
- And loss of balance.
Cognitive symptoms include difficult concentrating or remembering details, changes in mood, and depression and anxiety.
Moderate to Severe Brain Injury
A moderate or severe brain injury may cause the aforementioned effects of a mild TBI, along with these symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes to several hours;
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting;
- Persistent headaches or a headache that grows increasingly worse;
- Convulsions;
- Dilation of one or both pupils in the eyes;
- Inability to wake from sleep;
- Fluids draining from ears or nose;
- Weakness or numbness in extremities;
- And poor coordination.
If you notice the symptoms or a traumatic brain injury, you should visit a doctor immediately.
Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries
The best treatment for a TBI depends on several factors – namely, the severity of the injury. Mild cases usually do not require medical treatment. However, doctors may recommend medications or surgery to treat moderate to severe TBIs.
Common medications for traumatic brain injury victims include:
- Diuretics;
- Anti-seizure medications;
- And coma-inducing medications.
