Victims of Massachusetts car accidents often experience profuse bleeding or broken bones that require an immediate trip to the emergency room. However, damage to your brain may be more subtle. While penetration wounds do occur and tear the brain tissue, sudden movements and hard impacts may cause swelling and hemorrhaging as the brain shifts position within the skull. This type of damage may cause a variety of symptoms.
On-site diagnosis
One of the most recognizable signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a coma in which the patient’s alive but unresponsive. Other signs of a TBI that might appear immediately following an accident are:
Headache
Nausea
Confusion
Difficulty communicating
Different sized pupils
Concussion
Amnesia
A police officer or paramedic will assess the situation and arrange for an ambulance if they feel the condition warrants immediate medical attention. Otherwise, they may caution an individual to seek medical help if the symptoms worsen or continue for more than a few days.
Delayed onset
It can take brains weeks to recover after car accidents occur. Be prepared to take action if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Constant headaches
Bad taste in mouth
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety
Confusion
Seizures
Heightened emotional responses
Memory problems
Vision problems
Coordination problems
Speech problems
Some of these problems might appear to be mild, but they may indicate a more severe problem. Don’t diagnose yourself.
Treatment
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your personal physician or a neurologist. Don’t forget to mention that you were in a car accident, even if that incident happened months ago. Your brain might eventually repair itself, or you may require medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
