Traumatic brain injuries often occur due to blunt or penetrating trauma to the head, particularly force from a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, some people may leave the scene of an accident without recognizing the severity of their injuries.
There are about 200,000 TBI-related hospitalizations yearly, but if you cannot determine the symptoms, you can miss out on life-saving care.
Cognitive symptoms
Many TBIs go untreated because some cognitive symptoms may mimic other physical or psychological symptoms. After all, many people go into shock following a significant accident. If you have a TBI, however, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
You may catch yourself having a difficult time remembering the accident or keeping track of the information provided to you after the accident.
Physical symptoms
One of the most common symptoms associated with a TBI is frequent and severe headaches. Likewise, the injury can affect your equilibrium and cause you to feel dizzy or lose coordination. Other symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tinnitus
- Sleepiness
- Blurred vision
If you have persistent symptoms following an accident, a CT scan or MRI can determine if you have a traumatic brain injury and the appropriate treatment available.
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries worsen over time without a diagnosis. For example, you may have a headache that worsens throughout the days following the accident. Worsening headaches could indicate brain injuries that involve bruising or bleeding in the brain. Unfortunately, some symptoms of a TBI can turn into chronic conditions.