Many people think brain injuries only happen in major accidents or when someone is knocked unconscious. But the truth is, you can have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) without even realizing it. A hard jolt, blow, or even a violent shake can cause changes in the brain. Some symptoms show up right away. Others take days or weeks.
If you’ve recently been in a car crash, fall, or hit your head, it’s a good idea to learn what brain damage can look like. You might not see blood or bruises, but that doesn’t mean your brain is okay.
Symptoms That Could Point to Brain Damage
One of the biggest signs of brain damage is how you feel after the injury. You don’t have to have all of these symptoms. Even a few may be enough for a doctor to check for a brain injury. Some people experience symptoms right after the accident. Others may notice things changing over time.
Here are some signs to look for:
- Constant headaches
- Blurry or double vision
- Memory loss or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or always feeling tired
- Trouble speaking clearly
- Loss of balance or clumsy movements
- Sensitivity to light or loud sounds
- Ringing in the ears
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Mood swings or irritability
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling sad, depressed, or anxious
- Having seizures
- Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your body
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower thinking or delayed responses
- Pupil size changes
- Slurred speech or not making sense when talking
These symptoms don’t always mean brain damage, but they are common warning signs. Some people ignore these signs because they think they’re just tired or stressed. But if these symptoms follow a blow to the head or accident, don’t ignore them.
Types of Brain Injuries That Can Happen
There are different types of brain injuries. Some are more serious than others, but all should be taken seriously. Even a mild brain injury can lead to long-term problems if it’s not treated.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Concussion – Often caused by a hit or jolt. This is a mild TBI but still dangerous if ignored.
- Hematoma – A buildup of blood in or around the brain.
- Contusion – A bruise on the brain.
- Skull fracture – A break in the skull that can lead to brain damage.
- Coup-contrecoup injury – This happens when the brain hits both sides of the skull during an impact.
- Penetrating brain injury – This is when something breaks through the skull and damages brain tissue.
- Secondary brain injury – This happens after the first injury and can include swelling, bleeding, or lack of oxygen to the brain.
Sometimes these injuries don’t show up on a regular MRI or CT scan, especially if they’re mild. But they can still cause memory problems, mood changes, and trouble focusing.
How Soon Do Symptoms Show Up?
Symptoms from a brain injury can appear at different times:
Within minutes to hours:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling dazed or out of it
- Slurred speech
- Trouble staying awake
Within hours to days:
- Mood changes
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Irritability
Some symptoms may fade after a few days, but others can last for weeks or longer. About 15% of people with mild brain injuries still have problems after a year.
Why It’s Important to Get Checked
Even if you feel okay right after an accident, it’s smart to see a doctor. A medical professional can look for signs you might miss. You might also need follow-up visits with specialists like neurologists, neuropsychologists, or psychiatrists if your symptoms don’t go away.
Delaying treatment can make things worse. You could lose time from work, struggle in school, or find your relationships changing. Some people even end up with long-term disabilities.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Brain Injury?
Ignoring a brain injury can cause long-lasting damage. You might deal with:
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Personality changes
- Mood swings or depression
- Sleep problems
- Poor coordination
- Increased risk of future brain injuries
Even a concussion, which many people think is minor, can lead to major issues if left untreated.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Brain Injury
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of brain damage, go to a doctor right away. Keep a list of symptoms and when they started. Share any details about recent accidents, falls, or hits to the head.
It’s also a good idea to keep copies of all medical records, tests, and prescriptions. This can help if you need to file a legal claim later. Many people with brain injuries face high medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress. A legal claim can help recover some of those costs.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has a brain injury from a work accident in Los Angeles, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team helps people who are dealing with brain trauma get the support and compensation they need. Call (323) 954-1800 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.