A vehicle crash is one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
TBI can be extremely serious, but symptoms may not be apparent immediately after a blow to the head, making prompt medical attention essential.
Response to a car crash
During a violent crash, the brain may bump against the inside of the skull causing bruising or bleeding. However, the body will respond to the collision by releasing adrenalin and other chemicals that can temporarily hide pain and injury. If there is brain damage, the brain will go to work to rewire itself by forming new routes through the billions of brain cells that are still healthy, but it cannot do this without help. Hence the need for rehabilitation.
Symptoms of TBI
Signs of a brain injury may take days to appear and include:
- Memory issues or confusion
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or smell
- Mood changes
- Slurred speech
Rehabilitation
Severe TBI may require brain surgery to treat bleeding or to reduce the pressure from swelling. The next step is often participation in a rehabilitation program. Here the patient can relearn information essential to daily living that disappeared when the damage to the brain blocked access to it. Rehabilitation also includes occupational and speech therapy so the patient can return to as normal a lifestyle as possible.
Compensation
If a negligent driver was responsible for the brain injury, the victim has the right to expect maximum compensation. Since recovery from TBI can take months if not years, a settlement should be sufficient to cover current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.