How to Spot a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Following an Accident

DC residents have a higher chance of a traumatic brain injury when involved in a car accident than any other time. The force of a vehicle stopping due to a collision can cause the brain to strike an object or move within the skull even after the head has stopped the movement. A mild TBI may not be detectable at the crash site. 

The Center for Disease Control states that “about 75% of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.” Experiencing repeated TBIs can results in deficits in cognitive and neurological functions that are cumulative or fatal if occurring in a short period of time. Short-term changes can affect a person’s emotion, sensation, language and thinking. 

Mild TBIs usually result in only brief changes, but these changes can disrupt life for the victim. Over time, a person suffering from a TBI can experience an increase in brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. There is also an increase in epilepsy in TBI sufferers. 

Following a vehicle accident, TraumaticBrainInjury.com provides a list of mild TBI symptoms to look for. A person may experience issues with concentration, seizures, fatigue, loss of balance, depression feelings, headaches, sleep disturbances or memory loss. Some people experience mood changes, loss of smell, slowness in thinking, nausea, becoming confused or develop a sensitivity to sounds and light. 

These symptoms can help a person recognize they may have suffered an injury when no other outward signs are available. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms arise following an accident. Some of these symptoms may appear days to weeks after the injury.