If you injure your head in a car crash or other catastrophic event, you could sustain a traumatic brain injury. The Mayo Clinic explains that a TBI occurs when you hit your head, or something hits it, with such force that your neck and head jerk violently back and forth, causing your brain to do likewise inside your skull.
Unfortunately, you may not exhibit TBI symptoms immediately after your accident. Consequently, you should watch for any of the following in the days and weeks afterward:
• A decrease in your vision, such as blurry or double vision
• A decrease in your hearing, such as ringing in your ears
• A decrease in your ability to maintain your balance
• A decrease in your ability to understand what people say to you and respond appropriately
• A decrease in your ability to control your emotions
Be sure to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of any of the above. If a head trauma specialist confirms that you suffered a TBI, the sooner you begin appropriate treatment, the better chance you have of minimizing the damage.
TBI long-term effects
Depending on the nature and severity of your TBI, you could face months in the hospital, followed by months in a rehabilitation facility. If so, your medical bills will skyrocket while your income will plummet because you cannot work.
A severe TBI could permanently disable you, resulting not only in your inability to go back to work at your current job, but also your inability to work at all. In a worst-case scenario, you could require daily in-home care.
