Car accidents can result in direct trauma to the head, which can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs vary in severity and in some cases, could lead to long-term cognitive, physical and emotional impairments.
As such, TBIs should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. There are several signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury that you may experience after a car accident. Note, however, that they symptoms listed below are common, not comprehensive. You may experience a TBI and suffer additional or alternative symptoms.
Loss of consciousness
Loss of consciousness is one of the most concerning symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident. If you lose consciousness, even briefly, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as it could indicate a severe injury.
Olfactory issues
Olfactory issues, or problems related to the sense of smell, can also be indicative of traumatic brain injury following a car accident. Damage to the brain’s olfactory nerves or areas responsible for processing smell can lead to changes in the ability to detect odors or distortions in how smells are perceived. This can manifest as a reduced ability to smell, alterations in the perception of certain scents or even phantom smells where odors are perceived without any external source.
Distorted vision
Another potential symptom of traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident is distorted vision. Damage to the brain’s visual processing centers or the optic nerves can result in various visual disturbances. These may include blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), changes in peripheral vision or even visual hallucinations.
Memory lapses or loss
Damage to the brain’s memory centers or disruption of neural pathways responsible for encoding, storing, and retrieving memories can lead to difficulties with memory function. This may present as short-term memory problems, where individuals struggle to recall recent events or information or long-term memory issues, where they have trouble remembering past experiences or facts. In severe cases, TBI can cause amnesia, where the individual loses memory of events leading up to or following the accident.
If you have suffered traumatic brain injury in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you might be able to seek compensation through legal action such as filing a personal injury lawsuit, to cover damages resulting from the accident.