You may suffer a violent jolt or blow to the head in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in a severe brain injury. According to Mayo Clinic, moderate and severe TBI may result in long-term complications.
You may suffer bleeding, bruising and torn tissue on top of other physical damage to the brain.
Physical signs of a TBI
Loss of consciousness may be one of the first signs of a traumatic brain injury. The loss of consciousness may last several minutes to several hours. After the accident, you may have a persistent headache that worsens over time, accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Dangerous signs of damage to the brain include clear fluids draining from the ears or nose or an inability to wake from sleep.
If you suffer any trauma to your head during the accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes severe and moderate TBI symptoms do not appear for hours or days following the injury.
Cognitive signs of a TBI
Confusion is a common symptom of traumatic brain injuries. Even after medical attention, the long-term effects may include difficulty problem-solving, planning, organizing or making decisions. It may become more difficult for you to start or complete tasks. The cognitive impact of a TBI may make it difficult to perform at your job or to enjoy life as you did before.
Some behavioral changes include combativeness, frustration and unusual feelings or behavior. You may slur your speech and have difficulty understanding speech or writing.
Various complications may occur with a traumatic brain injury, including seizures, headaches, infections, vertigo and fluid buildup. You may experience symptoms that last for weeks, months or longer.