Why you should be alert for signs of brain damage after an accident

Two stories in the news recently – one national and one local – highlight the danger of traumatic brain injuries.  First of all is news that reverberated around the world:  esteemed actress Natasha Richardson is dead because of a brain injury sustained while skiing.  Her tragic and untimely death has underscored the dangers posed by seemingly minor accidents involving the head.

The second story in the news is local.  A trucking company’s appeal against a $10.2 million jury award to a Virginia woman who sustained brain injury when hit by a tractor trailer was upheld.  This case underscores how a serious car accident can result in a devastating brain injury.

These two cases are important because according to the Brain Injury Association of America the two leading causes of brain injuries are falls (28%) and motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%).

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident that involves the head – even if it seems minor at the time – it is imperative that you watch for signs that the accident could have caused a brain injury.  Some common sign of a brain injury are:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Impaired memory
• Glossy, unfocused eyes
• Uncharacteristic confusion
• Difficulty thinking, speaking, reading
• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Mood swings, change in sleep patterns
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness

If you suspect that a car accident or other personal injury could have hurt your brain, you should seek medical attention immediately.  Don’t “be a hero” – there is nothing brave about delaying treatment for a serious injury like traumatic brain damage.