Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common complications to occur to an individual involved in a car accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 230,000 Americans go to the hospital every year as a result of TBI. It can have significant short-term and long-term effects on a person.
Not only are TBIs among the most common injury in an accident, auto accidents are among the most common causes for TBI. This type of injury occurs when the brain strikes the inner lining of the skull. In some cases, the person may simply need to wait until the symptoms improve. Other people will need to undergo surgery to avoid complications. Above all else, it is critical to recognize symptoms and seek the proper treatment.
Common symptoms
For some people, once the brain tissue becomes damaged it never makes a full recovery. However, treatments are available that can make the following symptoms not as severe. The most common issues people experience after TBI include the following:
- Communication issues
- Chronic vomiting or nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Extreme headaches
- Loss of memory
- Disorientation and confusion
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms may not appear so severe at first. Some people are completely asymptomatic after a crash and do not bother to see a medical professional. Without treatment, the symptoms will grow worse over time. This is why car accident victims should always see a doctor following a collision. A doctor will be able to tell the person if TBI is present.
Different crashes
TBI can occur in any type of car accident, such as rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, rollover accidents or side-impact crashes. TBI manifests itself in different ways. Some people will suffer from a concussion while others may experience a brain contusion, which generally requires surgery to repair.
