What Are the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident?

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the most serious risks that can result from an accident. While TBIs can range from “mild” to “severe” in their formal classification, all types of brain injuries can potentially lead to long-term (if not permanent) complications. Even concussions—which are generally classified as a mild form of TBI—can present long-term risks related to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and second impact syndrome (SIS). 

10 Warning Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Knowing the signs of a traumatic brain injury after an accident is important. Here are 10 signs that accident victims should seek medical attention right away:

1. Loss of Consciousness

If an accident victim loses consciousness for any length of time as a result of the accident, this is a sign that medical attention is necessary. Losing consciousness can be symptomatic of various forms of brain trauma, all of which require a prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and adequate recovery. 

2. Persistent or Severe Headaches

Persistent or severe headaches after an accident could be signs of a traumatic brain injury as well. While a severe headache is a common symptom of a concussion, it could also indicate a more severe brain injury. 

3. Fatigue

Fatigue after an accident can be a sign that the neural pathways in the brain have been damaged. While accident victims will often dismiss fatigue as being the result of having a stressful day or having their adrenaline wear off, it can be a sign of a serious TBI in some cases. 

4. Difficulty Sleeping

Conversely, difficulty sleeping can be one of the signs of a traumatic brain injury as well. Difficulty sleeping can be symptomatic of various effects of brain trauma, including direct trauma to the parts of the brain that regulate sleep, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects such as anxiety and depression. 

5. Dizziness or Difficulty Maintaining Balance

Dizziness is a common symptom of various forms of mild, moderate, and severe TBI. Similar to difficulty sleeping, dizziness can be attributable to various effects, including nervous system damage, vestibular system damage, eye and ear damage (including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)), and psychological factors. 

6. Nausea or Vomiting

Intracranial pressure caused by swelling in or around the brain can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as severe headaches and other symptoms. Nervous system damage and vestibular system damage can cause nausea and vomiting following head trauma as well. 

7. Sensitivity to Light or Blurred Vision

The thalamus is the part of the brain that processes incoming visual information. If the thalamus is damaged in an accident, this can cause sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and other visual impairments. 

8. Sensitivity to Sound or Ringing in the Ears 

The auditory cortex is the part of the brain that processes incoming sound. If the auditory cortex is damaged in an accident, this can cause sensitivity to sound, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and other hearing impairments. Other effects of brain trauma can cause hearing impairments as well. 

9. Feeling Disoriented, Having Difficulty Concentrating, and Memory Loss

Feeling disoriented, having difficulty concentrating, and memory loss are all common—and potentially serious—signs of a traumatic brain injury. Accident victims who are experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical treatment promptly, and they should provide their doctors with as much information about their accident and their symptoms as possible. 

10. Symptoms of Anxiety or Depression

Symptoms of anxiety and depression can also be the result of brain trauma after an accident. While trauma can have these (and other) psychological effects generally, it is also important for accident victims and their loved ones to be aware that post-accident anxiety or depression could be related to a TBI.

These are just examples. Traumatic brain injuries can have other symptoms as well; and, in some cases, accident victims may not experience symptoms right away. If you have concerns about a possible head injury for any reason, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. 

Talk to a Wisconsin Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer for FREE

At Studinski Law LLC, we help accident victims across Wisconsin seek just compensation for traumatic brain injuries and other forms of accident-related trauma. If you have a claim, you may be entitled to full compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Brain injuries can affect every part of your life, and proving their impact often requires more than basic evidence. At Studinski Law, LLC, we do more so you get more. We take the time to understand how a brain injury has affected your health, your ability to work, and your daily life so that these losses are fully accounted for when pursuing your claim.

Contact the Wisconsin traumatic brain injury lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC today online or at (715) 343-2850 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve all of Wisconsin, including Plover, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and other areas.