After getting into an auto accident, one of the possible outcomes could be a long-term brain injury. Whether you hit your head, suffer from whiplash or have a penetrating injury to the brain, you could have a long road to recovery ahead of you.
The long-term effects of head injuries from crashes could be complex and require you to go through physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery and other steps to recover. In some cases, you may never really get back to 100%, even with all the medical support available.
Brain injuries are common in the USA
Did you know that brain injuries are extremely common in the US? In fact, one person in the U.S. sustains an injury to the brain every 23 seconds. Car crashes cause around 14% of these traumatic brain injury cases.
These injuries usually fall into one of two categories: Severe traumatic brain injuries or mild traumatic brain injuries. Severe, also known as acute, injuries are the most serious and may lead to permanent disability.
There are also other kinds of TBIs that are possible, such as penetrating or non-penetrating. With non-penetrating TBIs, the brain is moved inside the skull and suffers an injury. With a penetrating TBI, an object from outside, like a knife or piece of debris from a collision, penetrates the skull.
Brain injuries have lasting consequences for victims
It is true that brain injuries have lasting consequences for victims. Victims may have many ongoing symptoms to deal with, such as:
- Changes in judgment
- Changes in sexual functioning
- Seizures
- A higher risk of depression or anxiety
- Memory challenges
- Trouble solving problems
If you have these following a traumatic brain injury, it’s important to follow the medical guidance you receive from your provider.
What can you do to help yourself following an auto accident?
If you’re involved in an auto accident and believe you have or could have a brain injury, call 911 and go to the hospital. An early diagnosis may help you receive better treatment, so that you can minimize the risk of secondary complications and work on reducing the impact of the initial injury.
