Identifying the signs of traumatic brain injury

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of brain injury in North Carolina and across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 223,000 traumatic brain injury hospitalizations in one year alone.

Traumatic brain injuries can have a serious impact on one’s life and have the potential to result in long-term damage. They can affect one’s ability to work, perform daily activities and participate in hobbies and recreational activities. Such injuries often fall under the category of catastrophic injury, highlighting their severe and life-altering nature.

What are traumatic brain injuries?

A sudden impact to the head, such as in a car accident or fall, may cause the soft brain tissue to bounce within the skull cavity. Hitting against the hard bone may cause the brain tissue to bleed, bruise or swell within the skull. Inflammation within the skull cavity can cause pressure on the brain, resulting in further damage.

What are the symptoms?

The signs of brain injuries may vary depending on what part of the brain is affected. Furthermore, the symptoms may be mistaken for a number of other ailments. According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of mild traumatic brain damage include the following:

• Headache, dizziness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensory deficiencies, such as blurred visions, trouble speaking or ringing in the ears
• Memory loss, confusion or loss of concentration
• Mood or behavior changes
• Trouble sleeping

More severe damage may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, slurred speech or tingling in the extremities. It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after being involved in an accident. Once medical professionals detect the damage, they can create a customized treatment plan to help patients get back on their feet.