Just because no injuries are visible after a car crash doesn’t mean that you are fine. In fact, you could have sustained a catastrophic injury without even knowing it. Two of the most dangerous injuries that can go overlooked relate to your brain. Undiagnosed or delayed diagnoses of strokes and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are two that can have severe repercussions, including lifelong brain damage and even death.
By educating yourself on the symptoms you may be able to prevent any damage from worsening. Here are some indicators that your brain is crying for help after a crash.
Stay vigilant of these signs of a TBI.
Headaches are common after an accident, but some should cause concern more than others. Headaches that last hours or days after the accident could be a red flag that something is wrong. This is also the case if a headache gets worse. You may also notice a change in speech, dilated pupils, repeat nausea and vomiting and even convulsions. In addition, weakness in the extremities and trouble waking up from sleep call for seeking out help immediately.
Could it be a stroke?
The symptoms of a stroke can mimic those of a TBI and take a medical professional to diagnose. You may experience an intense headache, vomiting, paralysis, numbness, difficulty speaking and walking. If you have been diagnosed with a stroke, this does not mean that you will die. In fact, treatment for strokes has drastically reduced the risk of death. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can help to reduce this risk.
If you’ve been in an accident, you may not realize that there has been damage to your brain. Symptoms can be delayed and being hyperaware is key. You might not be able to recognize your own symptoms, but your friends and family may. If they see a change in your behavior and condition, listen to their concerns and see a physician just to be safe.