If you have suffered a head injury recently, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that could indicate a more serious brain injury. Many people do not realize they have a brain injury until much later, and by then it may be too late to get the treatment they need. By understanding the symptoms of early brain injury, you can get the help you need as soon as possible.
Some common symptoms include nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. If any of these apply to you, please consult with your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing further damage to your brain. To inquire about treatment options after suffering a brain injury, contact Florida Surgery Consultants. Continue reading to learn about the early signs of brain injury and what to do.
How Common Are Brain Injuries after an Accident in Florida?
Every year, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) cause a significant number of deaths and instances of lifelong disability in the United States, according to the CDC.TBIs are responsible for about 30% of all injury-related deaths in the United States. TBI deaths are caused by a wide range of factors, including automobile accidents, which account for around 15% of all yearly TBI fatalities.TBIs caused by motor vehicle accidents are the primary reason for death among drivers and passengers aged 5 to 24 years old. And according to the CDC’s Surveillance Report on the occurrence of TBIs in the United States, car accidents are the second most common cause of brain injuries in children under 18 years old.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur if the driver or a passenger impacts their head hard enough against anything in a motor vehicle accident. The brain may smash into the interior of the skull as a result of this type of severe trauma. On initial impact, the brain’s tissue will take most of the powerful forces applied, causing disruption to normal brain function. When the brain is violently shaken, moved, or struck against another object, TBIs commonly occur. The soft tissue of the brain absorbs the intense energy of the collision and, depending on how fast it travels within the skull, various degrees of cognitive function impairment can occur. Also known as a closed head injury, it has different degrees of impact.
Common Brain Injuries After an Accident
If you have been in an accident, there are a few common brain injuries that you may have sustained. These include concussions, contusions, coup-contrecoup, diffuse axonal, and penetration injuries. Concussions occur when the brain is jarred or shaken violently. This can happen if you hit your head on something during the accident or if your head is suddenly thrust forward or backward. According to the CDC, concussions can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
Contusions are bruises on the brain. They occur when blood vessels in the brain break and bleed. Contusions can be small or large, depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms of contusions can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain hits the skull two times. This can happen if your head is thrown forward and then backward in a car accident. Symptoms of coup-contrecoup injuries include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
Diffuse axonal injuries occur when the brain is damaged over a large area. This type of injury is usually caused by a severe blow to the head. Symptoms of diffuse axonal injuries include coma, paralysis, and difficulty speaking or thinking. Penetration injuries occur when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. This can happen if you are stabbed in the head with a sharp object or if you are shot in the head with a gun.
How is a Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose a TBI, doctors will usually start with a medical exam. This will help them rule out any other potential causes for the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. They will also ask about the events leading up to the injury, in order to get a better understanding of what happened. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans can also be helpful in diagnosing a TBI. These tests can show if there is any damage to the brain tissue itself.
However, it is important to note that the FDA has not cleared or approved any medical products that can be used alone to diagnose or treat a TBI. This means that there is no one “gold standard” test for diagnosing a TBI. Instead, doctors will often use a combination of different methods in order to make a diagnosis.
What are the Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury After an Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been in an accident, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain injury. Even if you don’t think you hit your head or didn’t lose consciousness, you could still have suffered a brain injury. Symptoms may not appear immediately, so it’s important to watch for them in the days and weeks following an accident. Early symptoms of a brain injury after an accident include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Mood changes or personality changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Seizures
When to Seek Medical Assistance After Brain Injury Symptoms?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Brain injuries can sometimes be minor and may not require treatment, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are in doubt, it is always best to consult a doctor.
Seek medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent headache
- Seizures
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
- Loss of consciousness
- Repeated vomiting
What Should You Do if You Think Someone Has Suffered a Brain Injury?
If someone you know has suffered a brain injury, the most important thing is to remain calm. Assess the situation and determine whether or not the person is conscious. If they are not conscious, call emergency services immediately. If they are conscious, try to get them to stay still and avoid moving their head. If they are vomiting, turn them on their side so that they do not choke on their vomit. Wait for help to arrive and follow their instructions.
What are the Long-Term Effects of a Severe Brain Injury?
Brain injuries can have a number of long-term effects on patients. Some common after effects of a brain injury include memory problems, difficulty with problem solving and judgment, changes in mood or personality, and chronic headaches or migraines. In some cases, the long-term effects of a brain injury can be fatal.
Memory Problems
One of the most common after-effects of a brain injury is memory problems. Victims may have difficulty remembering things from before their injury, and they may also struggle to form new memories. This can make it difficult to return to work or school, and everyday tasks can be overwhelming.
Difficulty with Problem Solving and Judgement
Brain injuries can also cause victims to have difficulty with problem-solving and judgment. They may make poor decisions or take unnecessary risks because they are unable to accurately assess situations.
Changes in Mood or Personality
Another common side effect of brain injuries an altered mood or personality. Victims may become irritable, aggressive, or withdrawn after their injury. They may also experience changes in their sex drive or ability to orgasm.
Headaches/Migraines
Many victims of brain injuries suffer from chronic headaches or migraines as a result of their injury. These can be very debilitating and make it difficult to lead a normal life.
Depending on the severity of the injury there are also additional long-term effects after suffering a brain injury. Some common long-term effects include problems with arousal, consciousness, awareness, alertness, and responsiveness. In some cases, brain injuries can also lead to coma or brain death. Floridians who have sustained a brain injury may find it difficult to cope with these changes in their abilities and may need ongoing medical care and support. If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, it is important to seek professional help to ensure that they receive the best possible care and treatment.
What Are Treatment Options Available For Brain Injuries?
There are a variety of treatment options available for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), depending on the severity of the injury. Treatment may include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or a combination of these. If a person has a severe TBI, they may need to be hospitalized in order to receive intensive care.
For mild TBIs, rehabilitation may be all that is needed. This can involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy. It is important for patients to participate in rehab as much as possible in order to regain as much function as possible.
If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away. The long-term effects of a brain injury can be severe, and it is important to get the treatment you need to improve your quality of life. If you have any questions about the long-term effects of a brain injury, please contact Florida Surgery Consultants today. We are here to help.