Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of disabilities and deaths in America. These may occur in traffic collisions as a result of a person hitting their head or being subjected to various forces.
When a person suffers a traumatic brain injury, the best thing to do is to get them medical care as quickly as possible. This is because these injuries may worsen with swelling and bleeding. Once cells in the brain die, the likelihood of disability or death greatly increases.
Traumatic brain injuries impact how your brain works
With this kind of injury, victims may see a number of different symptoms. Short- and long-term health problems may result from the brain injury as well.
Some of the common symptoms of moderate or severe brain injuries include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neurological deficits, such as slurred speech or weakness
- Headaches
- Mood or behavioral changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Slowed thinking, acting, reading or speaking
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Clear fluids leaking from the ears or nose
If you are in a collision and have any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to get immediate medical attention.
What can victims of brain injuries expect in the long term?
In the longer term, those who have brain injuries can usually expect some level of recovery. As the swelling decreases and the brain is no longer inflamed, some of the initial symptoms may change or be less severe.
However, many people are still left with serious disabilities and symptoms that don’t resolve. They may need to go through surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy and receive support from caregivers for some time, if not permanently.
What should you do if you suffer from a brain injury in a collision?
If you suffer from a head and brain injury in a crash, it is vital that you get medical attention and stick with the treatment plan that you’re provided. As you begin to heal and are stabilized, you may want to reach out to learn more about your legal options. If you were injured because of another person’s dangerous driving behaviors or reckless actions, then you deserve a chance to seek compensation.