Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common motor vehicle accident-related injuries. TBIs occur when you experience a violent jolt to your head and body. The most common form of TBI in an accident is a blunt-force injury. However, other TBIs include when an object punctures the skull and brain tissue.
Moderate and severe TBIs can result in serious damage to the brain, including tearing and bleeding. In many cases, a TBI can cause long-term complications.
Physical complications following moderate to severe TBIs
TBI symptoms do not always manifest directly following an accident. Some of the symptoms may appear in the days following the injury. However, with more severe injuries, you are more likely to experience symptoms immediately. One of the first signs of a moderate or severe TBI is the loss of consciousness. If you lost consciousness at the scene of the accident, odds are you have a TBI. Other physical complications can include persistent headaches, seizures, numbness in the fingers and toes, loss of coordination and repeated nausea or vomiting.
Cognitive complications following moderate to severe TBIs
In addition to physical complications, you may experience various cognitive changes. TBI patients often find themselves confused or agitated easily. They may present with slurred speech or an inability to communicate properly. The cognitive issues can last for days, months or even years following the injury. It could impact how you retain information, problem solve or function in your daily life.
Those with the highest risks of suffering a TBI in an accident include children, young adults, males in all age groups and adults over 60.