Motor vehicle collisions can cause some of the most severe injuries possible. People can lose limbs during crashes. They can also become paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries. Those who suffer spinal cord injuries or traumatic amputations typically know right away that they need emergency medical care.
However, there is another catastrophic car crash injury that people may not notice right away. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect people’s health and earning potential. They can produce between five and seven figures of lifetime medical expenses. They can also be incredibly difficult to recognize immediately after a crash.
Brain injuries often take time to develop. They can produce a broad assortment of different symptoms, which can make them even harder for people to recognize. What are some of the most common symptoms associated with TBIs?
1. Cognitive changes
TBIs can change the way a person thinks. Some people notice that they have difficulty focusing. Others may struggle with executive function, such as making decisions.
Brain injuries can also affect the recall of existing memories and learned information. They can also affect the formation of new memories in some cases. Some people even note major changes in their overall mood or personality after sustaining a TBI. Changes in how people think can take days or weeks to become apparent after a crash.
2. Physical challenges
The brain actually controls all physical functions. Therefore, injuries to the brain can affect how people use their bodies. Some people with TBIs notice a change in their sense of balance or equilibrium. They may struggle to walk the way they did before.
Others may notice issues with their fine motor control. Sewing, using tweezers and other minute actions can become much more difficult to perform effectively and safely with a TBI.
3. Sensory symptoms
A large portion of the brain’s processing power goes to the interpretation of incoming sensory input. The brain has to analyze visual data and identify the voice of an individual. People with brain injuries sometimes develop blurry vision or ringing in their ears.
Some of the warning signs that can alert people to the possibility of a TBI include blunt force trauma to the head, violent vehicle motions during a crash and a loss of consciousness during or after the collision.
Getting a proper diagnosis for a brain injury caused by a car crash can help people avoid symptom progression. People with a diagnosis may also have an easier time seeking compensation for their medical expenses. People who can recognize the early warning signs of a brain injury after a crash may be able to act more assertively to protect themselves from long-term losses.