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3 kinds of brain injuries symptoms you need to know after a crash

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2022 | Auto Accident Injuries |

Some injuries are impossible to ignore after a car crash, as someone bleeding or with a broken leg will know they need immediate medical attention. Other injuries may take hours or even days to present symptoms.

Anyone in a vehicle involved in a crash may need to observe themselves for several days if they believe they are at risk of a potential traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some of the risk factors include high-speed collisions, experiencing a loss of consciousness and violent crashes, like rollovers. Anyone who strikes their head will also want to monitor themselves for signs of a TBI.

Symptoms can be drastically different from one case to another, so it can be hard to spot the warning signs of a TBI at first. What are the kinds of symptoms you need to be aware of after a car crash where you may have hurt your brain?

Sensory symptoms

Experiencing ringing in your ears or blurry vision can be a sign of an injury to your brain. A lot of your brain’s processing power goes to the interpretation of sensory information. When your senses don’t function as they normally do, that can be a sign of an issue with your brain, not with your eyes or your ears.

Motor function symptoms

An injury to your brain can affect how you walk by changing your gait or the pattern of your steps. It could also affect your equilibrium or sense of balance. Some people experience a loss of strength in certain body parts following a brain injury, while others have worse coordination or fine motor skills.

Any changes in your physical functions not directly related to an injury of that body part could be a warning sign of a TBI.

Cognitive symptoms

Confusion is one of the most common TBI symptoms. People may have a hard time maintaining their internal sense of time or may forget what just happened. Memory issues are another cognitive symptom of a brain injury. Difficulty recalling information or making new memories can be a sign of a TBI. Some people will experience changes in their personalities or mood.

The worst symptoms you experience may not even develop until several days after the initial injury as bleeding on the brain continues and pressure increases. Often, your prognosis will be best if you get a diagnosis as soon as possible after a crash. Going through a medical examination right after a wreck or watching yourself for the warning signs of a TBI can protect you from the worst consequences of these life-altering injuries.