Most of the time when a traumatic brain injury or TBI occurs in Virginia, it’s because of a jolt or blow to the head or another part of the body. In other cases, something penetrates the tissue of the brain. This could be a foreign object, but it can also result from a broken part of the skull being driven into the brain tissue.
Is it a mild or severe injury?
There are numerous TBIs with symptoms that vary widely between mild and severe injuries. Minor cases may only have a temporary effect. But if the injury is severe enough, the impact can be lifelong.
Brain injuries can result in torn tissue or cause the brain to bleed and bruise. The resultant issues from these types of injuries are fatal in some cases if proper treatment isn’t administered right away.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury after a motor vehicle accident may be physical and psychological. It might take a matter of days or even weeks before some of the symptoms present themselves, while others take effect right away.
If the TBI is mild, you might notice physical symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Speech difficulty
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
Sensory, mental, cognitive and behavioral symptoms
Traumatic brain injuries might also lead to sensory issues. This encompasses things like vision problems, tinnitus and difficulty smelling things. The injury can also make things taste bad and make you sensitive to light and sound.
In addition, there are also mental, cognitive and behavioral symptoms to watch out for. One of the more obvious signs is when the injured person falls unconscious, but it’s not always that easy to tell. A brain injury might leave you in a temporarily dazed state or make it difficult to focus on basic tasks and remember things.
You may also notice sudden mood changes and you might not be able to get to sleep at night. On the other hand, people with brain injuries sometimes stay asleep for longer than usual. Depression or anxiety can also be a symptom when it wasn’t an issue before.
It’s always important to deal with injuries immediately, but head injuries are some of the most dangerous to leave untreated. Learn what the symptoms are so you know what to watch out for and get the medical treatment you need as soon as possible.