If you get into a car accident or another type of serious accident and hit your head, you could sustain a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can affect your brain on a temporary basis or result in bleeding, torn tissues, swelling and other forms of serious damage.
The Mayo Clinic states that while some symptoms of a TBI may show up right after the accident, others may take days or even weeks to appear. The following are some of the most common cognitive, sensory and physical symptoms of a brain injury.
Physical symptoms
If you hit your head in an accident, some of the physical symptoms you could experience may include a headache, fatigue or drowsiness and vomiting and nausea. You may also experience dizziness and have a difficult time with your speech.
Cognitive symptoms
Some common cognitive symptoms of a TBI include losing consciousness, feeling confused or dazed and having significant mood swings. You may also have a hard time remembering things, concentrating on tasks and sleeping, in addition to feeling anxious or depressed.
Sensory symptoms
A TBI can blur your vision and cause a constant ringing in your ears. You may also experience changes in your ability to smell and become more sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds.
Following an accident, you should see your physician right away to check for the symptoms of a brain injury and receive treatment. If your symptoms get worse instead of better as time passes, or you experience prolonged periods of lost consciousness, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
