A car accident can result in severe, sometimes lifelong injuries that reshape how you live your life. And these injuries are usually readily apparent. But there are some types of harm that may not immediately present themselves in the aftermath of your accident. This includes some brain injuries.
That’s why you need to be aware of your symptoms and seek out any follow up care that you may need. If you don’t, then you could end up suffering from a severe medical condition down the line that wasn’t compensated for in your personal injury case. That can leave you in a difficult financial position where you’re unable to secure the care that you need. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the hidden signs of a brain injury so that you know what to look out for and when you need to seek additional medical attention.
The hidden signs of a brain injury
A lot of people think all brain injuries are so severe as to create immediately noticeable signs of harm. While that’s true in many cases, in some instances the symptoms of a brain injury don’t present until much later. Here are just some of the hidden signs that you or a loved one may have suffered a brain injury:
- Personality changes: Over time, many traumatic brain injury sufferers exhibit changes to their personality. Sometimes this is as minor as losing interest in something that the victim once loved, but other times it’s more severe, including exhibiting excessive irritability, anger, and aggressiveness. The affected person oftentimes doesn’t even realize that their personality has changed, which means it’s sometimes up to family members and friends to point them out.
- Physical and mental fatigue: Those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury tend to frequently find themselves tired. This is because their brain is trying to heal and needs time to rest. This fatigue can also impact their ability to concentrate and remember information. This, in turn, can lead to mental fatigue.
- Inappropriate behavior: There are certain parts of the brain that control our inhibitions. When that part of the brain is damaged, then a victim will be more likely to engage in behavior that’s contrary to social norms. This can create awkward situations for them and even lead to conflict with family members, friends, and even strangers.
- Changes to sense of humor: If the section of the brain that impacts one’s sense of humor is damaged, then the victim might struggle to tell the difference between a joke and a statement that’s intended to be taken literally. So, if you or a loved one has lost their sense of humor, it may be indicative of a much more serious issue.
- Light and sound sensitivity: A brain injury can make you more sensitive to light and sound. As a result, you might experience discomfort when subjected to interior lighting, and you may experience eye strain, eye pain, and excessive headaches.
Have your brain injury treated effectively
If you notice any of these signs of a brain injury, then you need to seek out additional medical treatment. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your symptoms are too minor to address. After all, if you hope to recover compensation for the harm that’s been caused to you, then you have to correctly identify your injuries and seek out treatment for them.=
Be diligent in documenting your symptoms following your accident, and don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones to let you know if they notice any changes in your behavior. By being diligent, you’ll hopefully secure the treatment and the compensation you need to get back to your normal life.