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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) After a Car Accident? Know the Signs.
Approximately half of all traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are caused from trauma sustained in a car accident. However, the signs of a TBI are not always obvious, and many times, they can be overlooked. It is important to know the signs of a TBI so they can be recognized and treated as soon as possible.
Common Signs of a TBI
The physical symptoms of a TBI are not always obvious. In fact, many times, a person suffering from a TBI may associate the symptoms with something else and may postpone medical attention until it is too late. The symptoms of a TBI can include one or more of the following physical symptoms:
- Nausea and/or vomiting;
- Loss of change in consciousness, ranging in length from a few seconds to a few hours;
- Seizures or convulsions;
- Dilation of the pupils or double vision;
- Difficulty staying awake;
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose;
- Slurred speech;
- Weakness in limbs;
- Loss of balance of coordination;
- Other behavioral changes may be noticed such as sudden anger or rage or extreme mood swings.
A person suffering from a TBI can experience blurred vision, sensitivity to lights or sounds, ringing in the ears or sensory problems. If any of these symptoms are experienced by someone involved in a car accident, that person should been seen by a doctor immediately.
What Happens During a TBI?
Brain trauma during a car accident occurs when the skull strikes another object in the car, like a steering wheel or the windshield. The trauma can often be readily apparent, meaning there is an open wound that is noticeable. When a part of the body strikes a stationary object, like the windshield, this is known as blunt trauma. It can also happen when the head is hit by another object external from the car, such as if the individual is ejected from the car during the accident or if the car’s roof collapses.
Many times, however, the trauma does not involve penetration of the skull or a fracture; it can simply be caused by the force of impact. This occurs when the brain, inside the skull, is still continuing its movement and strikes the interior of the skull. This impact results in bruising of the brain, otherwise known as a contusion, or a brain hemorrhage. None of this would be visible from the outside and can only be discovered upon receiving medical attention.
Immediate Treatment Is Key
It is imperative that as soon as any of the symptoms of a TBI are recognized following a car accident, that the individual experiencing the symptoms be taken to see a medical professional immediately. Not receiving the proper medical diagnosis or treatment could have serious if not life-threatening consequences. Although the side effects are not always seen, the long-term effects of an untreated TBI could affect that individual’s ability to function or lead a productive life. Always be seen by a medical professional following a car accident, especially when concerns exist about any external or internal trauma to the skull or brain.
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A MIAMI AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida it is very important to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney immediately. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages suffered by our clients.
Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.
