Drivers and passengers involved in car wrecks may suffer a traumatic brain injury through a sudden impact to the head. Traumatic brain injuries can result in a variety of health problems which may show up quickly, allowing doctors to easily link them back to a head injury. However, not all brain injury symptoms show up right away.
As the Mayo Clinic points out, some traumatic brain injuries produce effects that show up later. An automobile crash victim should be aware of these effects so that they will not come as a surprise if they occur.
Physical problems
Commonly, brain injuries produce headaches, confusion, and a possible loss of memory. Some people because of amnesia forget the incident that caused their brain injury in the first place. These symptoms may last for days or perhaps more than a few weeks.
Some physical issues tend to emerge later on, perhaps days following the injury. They may include forgetfulness, an inability to sleep, a problem tasting or smelling, or a sensitivity to light. Some of these may be subtle. They may be mistaken for isolated incidents, decreasing the chance that the person will link them to a recent head injury.
Emotional disorders
Brainline explains that physical problems like headaches and dizziness generally manifest soon after a brain injury, but emotional problems may develop later on. A brain injury victim may feel irritated or frustrated for seemingly no reason. Brain injuries can also develop depression and anxiety. An injury victim may also experience a shift in personality.
Sometimes people do not link these symptoms to a brain injury if no physical symptoms show up afterwards, but they bear watching if they occur soon after an auto accident. If emotional distress has resulted from a recent auto wreck, it may require therapy or other means to complete a recovery.
