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Traumatic Brain Injury: Warning Signs and Symptoms

In the first few seconds after a DC car accident, there is an overwhelming feeling of relief. You are still alive. You may be a little banged up, but you’re still breathing. You pass the tests at the hospital, and even though you hit your head, you pass all the tests. You go home feeling lucky.

But over the next few days, something feels off. You’re dizzy, and a little depressed. You lose track of things, and feel irritable. It could just be the excitement of the accident…but it’s possible you are suffering from mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild TBI, also called concussion, is caused by any trauma to the head that caused the brain to shift or swell. Victims commonly lose consciousness for a brief period of time after the impact, but appear normal upon waking. Although classified as “mild,” TBI often has severe consequences. Those affected can suffer symptoms for over a year.

Mild TBI symptoms can include:

• Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
• Dizziness, headaches, of loss of balance
• Confusion or disorientation
• Light sensitivity
• Mood swings
• Feelings of anxiety or depression
• Distorted senses (i.e. ringing in the ears or blurred vision)
• Sleep disturbances, such as overwhelming fatigue or insomnia

TBI is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Twenty percent of TBI cases are caused by vehicle accidents—and they are often missed or overlooked at the time of the injury. Only in the weeks following the accident do symptoms start to appear.

Since TBI affects the brain, the sufferer will often not notice the changes in his behavior. Usually it is close family and friends who will recommend a return trip to the hospital for an MRI or follow-up care. If the TBI was especially severe, the consequences of ignored symptoms or untreated TBI in Virginia can be devastating.

Severe TBI symptoms:

• Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
• Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
• Drastic behavioral changes (such as irritability, impulsiveness or inappropriate laughter)
• Confusion and slurred speech
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Persistent headaches, light sensitivity, or feelings of vertigo
• Loss of control of bodily functions
• Nausea or vomiting
• Convulsions or seizures
• Weakness in facial muscles, limbs, or extremities

If you suspect that someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury following a Virginia car accident, seek medical treatment immediately; for help dealing with the aftermath of a TBI, contact a respected Fairfax brain injury lawyer for a consultation.

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