Car accidents are the leading cause of brain injuries, with falls as a close second. After an accident, a catastrophic brain injury might be immediately recognizable due to the victim’s death or a diagnosis of brain death soon after the accident; however, not all brain injuries present with urgent or obvious symptoms. Some brain injuries begin with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, but instead, develop over the hours—or even days—following the accident due to bleeding, bruising, and swelling inside the brain. Symptoms of brain injuries are often physical, cognitive, and emotional.
It’s critical to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injuries and be alert to the possibility of brain injury symptoms appearing after a blow to the head or a strong shake, jar, or jolt. Atlanta brain injury attorneys emphasize the importance that when an accident victim shows symptoms of a brain injury, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.
Because the brain is the control center for all body systems as well as the center of thought and emotion, brain injuries can impact various aspects of function with the type and severity of symptoms depending on the location and seriousness of the injury. Some of the most recognizable symptoms of a brain injury are the physical symptoms, including the following:
After an accident, anyone presenting with any of the above symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment. Medical providers will perform an assessment and imaging tests like CT scans or an MRI to diagnose a brain injury and begin treatment to minimize the damage.
When the brain suffers an injury that damages sensitive nerve cells like the neurons responsible for thought and cognitive ability, the result can be noticeable symptoms such as the following:
Cognitive difficulties after an accident are a serious sign of brain injury. Experienced personal injury attorneys in Atlanta suggest that any injury victim experiencing these symptoms should have emergency medical treatment to prevent further damage.
The brain is the center of our thoughts and emotions. When a portion of the brain suffers damage, symptoms may present themselves in the victim’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. After an accident involving a blow to the head or violent shaking, the following emotional signs could indicate a serious problem:
It’s important to note that brain injury victims may not recognize these changes as signs of a problem. A brain injury compromises the victim’s ability to advocate for themselves. Whether you experience these symptoms or observe them in a loved one after an accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention for a suspected brain injury as soon as possible.
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