Traumatic brain injuries are serious injuries that can cause lifelong complications and disability. They can happen in auto accidents or any time someone hits their head. They may also occur if the head is whipped forward and back or side to side quickly.
A TBI affects the way the brain works, and that means it can have an impact on a person’s entire body. While mild injuries, like concussions, may heal over time, severe TBIs often leave people with lifelong impairments. These injuries are devastating, which is why it’s important to know as much as possible about them and how they could affect you.
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBIs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can lead to death in traffic collisions.
- Traumatic brain injuries range in severity
Not all TBIs are the same. Minor TBIs may heal in a few weeks, while moderate injuries could require years of work to correct. Acute cases may result in permanent disabilities.
- People with TBIs may need medical interventions
The medical interventions that can help after a TBI could range from surgery to relieve pressure within the skull to medications to help with intracranial pressure. Physical and occupational therapy are commonly used therapies.
- TBIs cause a range of symptoms
Depending on the part of the brain that was impacted, a TBI can cause all kinds of symptoms. Some may affect speech, memory or hearing, for example, while others might affect a person’s vision or personality.
- TBIs can develop over time
It’s possible for some TBIs to be missed initially after a crash. Called delayed onset injuries, they may develop as swelling and bleeding continues in the coming hours or days.
TBIs are serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one suffer from a TBI, it’s important for you to go to the hospital and seek help. Early treatment may help minimize the risk of further complications.
After you are stable, you can then look into holding the at-fault driver accountable for the collision as well as think about making a claim for compensation.