Life can change in an instant after an auto accident. While cuts, bruises, and broken bones are more obvious injuries, traumatic brain injuries from car accidents sometimes go unnoticed in the chaos following a crash. TBIs can have a profound impact on your health and daily life.
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, our experienced Raleigh car accident doctors are here to help you navigate the road to recovery. From advanced diagnostics like MRIs to personalized physical therapy and neurological care, we’re dedicated to helping you heal and regain control of your life.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain experiences a sudden jolt, blow, or other trauma, causing it to move or shift within the skull. This can occur during a car accident when the head strikes a hard surface, the brain is shaken violently, or even when there’s no direct hit but sudden acceleration or deceleration forces.
The impact can damage brain tissue, disrupt normal brain function, and lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. The severity of a TBI can vary, from a mild concussion that resolves on its own to a severe injury that causes lasting impairments.
Symptoms don’t always show up right away. It’s important to seek medical care after a car accident, even if you think you escaped unscathed. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, our Raleigh car accident doctors work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. We will also ensure you have medical documentation for your car accident case.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause different types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Concussion
This is the most common type of brain injury in a car crash. A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken within the skull. This can happen even in low-speed collisions and might cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues. While concussions are often considered “mild,” they can still have serious effects if not properly treated.
Contusion
A contusion, or a bruise on the brain, caused by a direct impact to the head. This can lead to localized swelling or bleeding, which may cause symptoms like confusion or difficulty speaking.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
In more severe cases, there’s the risk of diffuse axonal injury (DAI), where the brain’s connective nerve fibers are stretched or torn due to the violent motion of the crash. This type of injury can disrupt communication between brain cells and lead to serious, long-term, neurological issues.
Penetrating Brain Injury
This is an open head injury that happens when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. While less common in car accidents, penetrating brain injuries are extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury symptoms don’t always show up right away. You might feel fine immediately after the car accident, only to experience headaches, confusion, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating hours or even days later. Other signs, like mood changes, memory problems, or sleep disturbances, can be subtle but still point to an underlying brain injury.
Symptoms of a TBIÂ can vary significantly.
Mild TBI (Concussion)
Here’s what you might experience with a mild TBI.
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Short-term memory loss
- Mood swings or feeling more emotional than usual
- Sleep disturbances
It’s worth noting that mild TBI symptoms usually clear up within a few weeks, but some patients experience lingering effects. Rest and appropriate medical treatment is important for a full recovery.
Moderate or Severe TBI
Symptoms of a moderate or severe TBI are much more serious. The worst cases can even result in a vegetative state or brain death.
- Persistent headaches that worsen over time
- Losing consciousness for several minutes to hours
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Increased confusion or agitation
- Slurred speech
- Extended loss of consciousness or coma
- Severe cognitive impairments
Remember, if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Early intervention can make a world of difference in recovery.
Diagnosing a TBI
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) starts with the accident and your symptoms. A doctor will typically ask about the head injury, whether you lost consciousness, and any immediate or delayed symptoms like headaches, confusion, or dizziness. From there, they may perform a neurological exam to check your reflexes, coordination, and cognitive function.
In some cases, advanced imaging like an MRI scan is needed to look for signs of swelling, bleeding, or other damage to the brain. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we use diagnostic imaging to help us create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries
The treatment for traumatic brain injuries from car accidents depends on the severity of the head injury and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Mild Concussions: Rest and Pain Relievers
The first line of treatment for a mild concussion is often rest. Giving your brain time to heal is crucial, so this might mean avoiding physical activities, limiting screen time, and taking a break from anything mentally demanding. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches, but it’s important to avoid aspirin or other medications that could increase bleeding risks unless directed by a doctor.
Follow-up check-ups are also essential to monitor symptoms. Doctors will watch for signs of delayed swelling or complications.
Emergency Care for Moderate and Severe TBI
For moderate to severe TBIs, immediate medical attention is critical. Emergency care often focuses on stabilizing the patient and preventing further brain damage. This could involve medications to reduce swelling, manage seizures, or control blood pressure. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
TBIs can affect physical abilities, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, so recovery from head trauma often involves a team of specialists. Physical therapy can help patients regain strength, coordination, and mobility. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, our physical therapists work closely with you to build a plan tailored to your unique needs.
Neurologists can help patients deal with memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes caused by brain injuries. Solutions might include brain training exercises, medications to manage symptoms, or even guidance on lifestyle changes that support healing.
Compensation for a Brain Injury in a North Carolina Car Accident Case
If you’ve suffered a head injury in a car accident in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could recover damages for:
- Medical Bills: This includes hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: This includes lost income from missing work and lost earning capacity if you can no longer work or earn less money because of your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: If the driver was guilty of seriously reckless behavior, you may be awarded damages to punish their actions.
After a car accident in North Carolina, you typically must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and maximize your claim.
Contact Our Raleigh Car Accident Doctors Today
Recovering from a TBI takes time, but with the right care and support, many patients can make significant progress. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we’ll work to help you regain your strength, independence, and quality of life after a head injury.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
