When a car accident happens in North Carolina, the first concern is if everyone involved is okay. There are often injuries that happen in an accident that may present themselves hours or even days after the accident, and brain injuries fall into that category. Anyone who has been in an accident should watch for the signs of a traumatic brain injury defined by BrainLine.
Those who experience certain symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, even if the accident was several days or weeks before. These include seizures or convulsions, clear fluid coming from the ears or nose, vomiting or nausea, and any of the following:
- Lower level of consciousness
- Weakness of legs, arm, face, slurred speech or loss of balance
- Double vision or unequal pupil dilation
- Change to or loss of consciousness for anywhere from just a few seconds to several hours
Brain injuries can manifest in other ways that should be closely monitored although they may not require immediate attention. Any type of loss of coordination or balance, dizziness or light-headedness is concerning. Sensory problems like a bad taste in the mouth, ringing in the ears, blurred vision or loss of sense of taste or smell should be attended to. Agitation or mood swings, sensitivity to distractions, sounds or lights and drowsiness or fatigue are also concerning signs to watch closely.
According to Medical News Today, symptoms of brain injury in children are similar but may be not as noticeable because they lack the ability to explain how they feel. Children should be closely watched for a refusal to eat, changes in sleeping patterns, crying and irritability, unsteadying walking, loss of skills such as toilet training, tiredness or vomiting.
Brain injuries can have a negative effect on long term health. Neurological disorders and risk of dementia is increased, along with neurodegenerative disorders. Anyone with a brain injury should seek treatment early.