If you can walk away from a car crash with nothing more than a bump on your head, you probably feel pretty lucky. But what if that “bump” was actually a serious injury?
Concussions are brain injuries that don’t look all that bad — from the outside. Inside a victim’s skull, however, they can be devastating. A concussion is a hidden traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can lead to lifelong problems. If you or a loved one hit their head in a car accident, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Unconsciousness: Anybody who loses consciousness after a blow to the head should be evaluated by a medical professional — even if the blackout only lasts a few seconds.
- Headaches: A normal headache can be bad enough. Headaches related to a concussion can be intense and hard to relieve through normal means.
- Nausea: Whether this occurs immediately after the injury or takes a while to develop, it can be a sign that something is going on with the victim’s neurological system.
- Balance issues: This may be related to nausea because impaired balance can make someone feel very dizzy and sick.
- Slurred or confused speech: If the injury victim can’t seem to easily and clearly answer basic questions about themselves or seems vaguely disoriented, that can be a sign of serious trauma.
- Confusion: Contrary to popular belief, confusion caused by a TBI may not set in right away. It’s more likely to develop days after the actual wreck.
- Mood disorders: Any time someone who has had a head injury doesn’t seem to be acting like their normal self, that’s a cause for alarm.
The victim of a concussion doesn’t have to have a visible injury or bruises to have significant problems from a brain injury. Therefore, it’s always wiser to take the safe route and see a doctor after a car wreck. You can worry about recovering your medical bills related to the wreck later, with the help of an experienced attorney.