Posted on January 11, 2023 to Blog

Though some symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are visible, others may be more difficult to identify. Here are a few signs of TBI to look out for.

Lack of Emotional Control and Low Impulse

The brain is made up of different lobes, with each part responsible for different bodily functions and responses, both voluntary and involuntary. The frontal lobe, for example, is located at the front end of the brain and is the organ’s largest section.

Because the frontal lobe handles cognitive functions, such as critical thinking and decision making, injury to this area can lead to disorganization, difficulty planning, and poor emotional control. These symptoms are common after a car accident.

Difficulty Communicating

Injury to the frontal and temporal lobe can lead to difficulty communicating. To assess the impact of injury, a speech-language pathologist can inspect a person’s ability to think, chew, speak, and swallow. Damage to the left side of the brain can also make it difficult to move the jaw.

Memory Lapse

Several lobes are involved in memory functions. Sudden shocks to the frontal and temporal lobes and injuries to the brain’s right side can lead to difficulty with memory. However, traumatic brain injuries are more likely to cause problems with short-term memory, rather than long-term memory.

This means that individuals with TBI may have trouble remembering to do daily tasks such as picking up the mail, meeting an appointment, or calling someone back when they said they would.

Chronic Headaches

An injury or illness signals damage to the body by inducing pain. A TBI can lead to chronic headaches, whether the injury was mild, moderate, or severe.

Though mild to moderate cases of chronic headaches may resolve on their own, chronic headaches can last for years. Individuals who are older, have a history of brain injuries, or those who struggle with coping are more likely to experience post-concussion syndrome.

Types of TBIs

The five different types of TBIs are concussion, hematoma, contusion, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (TSAH), and diffuse axonal injury (DAI). A concussion may cause issues with memory and speech, confusion, blurred vision, and difficulty with balance.

A hematoma, or large blood clot, can form after a blow forces a blood vessel to rupture. The body forms a hematoma to reduce the blood flow, but it may need to be removed surgically.

A contusion occurs when the bruising of brain tissue composed of injured or swollen veins and arteries leads to complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

The Effects of Brain Damage

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid complications. The long-term and short-term effects of brain damage can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Treatment for TBI is not inexpensive and may take many months, incurring hefty medical bills. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence and recklessness, you may have the right to take legal action.

When to Seek Legal Assistance for a Brain Injury Car Accident Case

Victims of a car accident may be eligible to receive compensation for any injuries they may have sustained. A qualified car accident attorney will ensure the case is handled properly.