A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury in which an external force damages the brain tissue. TBIs can range from mild to severe, with varying impacts on brain function. A TBI can have long-term consequences and may even be life-threatening. In some cases, TBIs cause permanent disabilities and lifelong health issues. Today, we review everything you need to know about TBIs after vehicle crashes.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries have two categories: penetrating and non-penetrating. Penetrating TBIs, also known as open TBIs, refer to brain injuries caused by an object piercing the skull and entering the brain tissue. Penetrating TBIs typically cause localized damage to a specific part of the brain, known as a focal injury.
Non-penetrating TBIs, also known as blunt TBIs, refer to brain injuries caused by an external force that causes the brain to move around within the skull. The brain strikes the inside of the skull, leading to widespread bruising, bleeding, and swelling. TBIs that affect large areas or multiple parts of the brain are referred to as diffuse injuries.
Concussions are one of the most common and least severe forms of traumatic brain injury. While typically not as severe as other types of TBIs, concussions can still have a significant impact on your life. Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) refer to widespread damage to white brain matter—the brain’s “wiring system”. A DAI disrupts communication between nerve cells, permanently affecting cognition.
Epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral hematomas refer to bleeding that occurs in various areas surrounding or within the brain. The type depends on where the blood collects in relation to the brain’s layers. Brain injuries vary by impact and can be very serious, requiring urgent medical care.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries
Many believe that only a direct blow to the head can cause brain trauma; however, a TBI can be caused by bumps, blows, and jolts that cause sudden, uncontrolled movement of the brain. For example, a rear-end collision causes the head to rapidly snap forward and backward, resulting in the brain violently striking the inside of the skull.
The brain is soft and delicate, with the skull playing a crucial role in protecting the vulnerable tissue. However, the brain can still move within the skull, causing tension and pressure on the blood vessels and nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Even if you were in a low-speed collision and you feel completely unharmed, brain trauma is a possibility, making it critical to be aware of the signs of brain injury after a crash.
Signs You May Have a Traumatic Brain Injury
After an accident, it’s common for victims to assume they have no injuries if there are no visible wounds. There are, however, countless internal injuries that cannot be seen without scans or diagnostic testing. When you’ve been involved in a collision, it’s vital to be aware of the common symptoms of a TBI so that you can take action immediately:
- Persistent headaches or pressure inside the skull
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty balancing or dizziness
- Blurry or double vision, even with glasses and contact lenses
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Feeling groggy, sluggish, or fatigued
- Confusion and struggling to form coherent sentences
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Memory problems
- Feeling “off” or uneasy for no reason
- Incessant ringing in the ears
- Trouble staying awake or asleep
- Erratic mood swings
- Becoming emotional without cause
Signs That a Loved One May Have a TBI
When someone is in an accident, they may exhibit symptoms that they overlook, but seem odd to their loved ones. If a family member or friend has been in a crash and they show the following signs of TBI, seek medical attention right away:
- Speaking and answering questions slowly
- Struggles to perform normal activities
- Irritability, aggression, or rage
- Inexplicable sadness or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Rapid emotional changes
- Forgetfulness and difficulty recalling memories
- Behavioral or personality changes
- More clumsy than usual
- Violent outbursts
In children, it can be even more challenging to spot TBI symptoms because they may not be able to communicate pain, sadness, and confusion properly. Look out for changes in their eating habits, persistent crying, loss of skills, vomiting, sleep disturbances, a lack of interest in their favorite activities, and random episodes of irritation or aggression.
When to Seek Medical Attention
When you’ve been in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. The signs listed above indicate that you may have a TBI. However, without symptoms, it’s still essential to be evaluated by a professional. Explain your accident, how it happened, and what your body, neck, and head experienced during the collision.
While not all TBIs are life-threatening, there are specific signs that point to a severe, extremely dangerous TBI or blood clot that requires immediate medical attention. Children may exhibit any of the symptoms below, along with constant crying, being inconsolable, and refusing to eat or nurse. These signs are considered emergencies, and you should not delay treatment if you or a loved one starts exhibiting the following common symptoms:
- A headache that keeps getting worse and isn’t going away
- Weakness, numbness, and decreased coordination
- Convulsions or seizures
- Vomiting repeatedly without relief
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior
- One pupil is more dilated than the other
- Inability to recognize known people or places
- Feeling confused, agitated, and restless
- Losing consciousness or looking very drowsy
- Cannot be woken up after sleeping or losing consciousness
The Importance of Medical Documentation
Having detailed medical documentation is critical for pursuing legal action. When you or a loved one has been in an accident and is showing signs of a brain injury, you may be eligible to file a claim with the at-fault party or their insurance provider. Without medical records showing the link between your injuries and the crash, insurers may argue that the injury is unrelated. Claim denials are common in TBI negotiations because they can be challenging to prove.
Seeking Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of another person’s negligence or reckless behavior, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys. We have decades of experience helping TBI victims receive compensation for their injuries and subsequent expenses. TBIs can be life-changing, but you don’t have to navigate the changes alone when HHJ is on your side.
