Any time you’re involved in a serious collision, there is a risk that you could have a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury could happen if you hit your head or have whiplash, twist your head quickly or are impaled by debris. From crushing wounds to serious blows to the head, there are many reasons why people end up with brain injuries.
The most important thing to do after you’ve been in an accident is to remember to seek medical attention. At the scene, you should call 911 and wait for emergency care. If you believe that you’ve hurt your head, stay where you are and try not to move unless it’s unsafe for you to remain in your current position.
What are the signs of a brain injury?
The signs of brain injuries vary significantly from person to person depending on which part of the brain has been injured and how severe the injury is.
Some possible symptoms of a brain injury could include:
- Trying to stand but losing your balance easily
- Being confused about your surroundings, who you are, what year it is or other basic information
- Having convulsions and seizures
- Having one pupil that is dilated while the other remains small or two largely dilated pupils
- Feeling overly sensitive to light and sound
- Being unable to see or hear correctly
These are a few of the more severe physical symptoms that people tend to show. Mental symptoms could also occur and include issues like mood swings, memory problems, trouble speaking or coma.
For most people, the top sign of a head injury is the chronic, painful headache that just won’t go away. However, not everyone has headaches from brain injuries, so not having one soon after an accident shouldn’t make you think that a brain injury is unlikely. You could have other symptoms, like slurred speech or nausea, which are also signs of a brain injury.
Get medical care as soon as you can if you have been in a serious accident. At the hospital, a medical provider will go through a physical exam with you and order tests when needed. Then, you’ll be able to get the care you need as quickly as possible.