Millions of road traffic collisions occur every year in the U.S. While many of these are relatively minor, unfortunately thousands of individuals suffer severe and even fatal injuries.
One of the most worrying types of injury a person can suffer is head trauma. While head trauma doesn’t always lead to lasting damage, it can certainly result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). What are some signs that my head injury might be serious?
Prolonged headaches
While mild head trauma can result in headaches, these typically subside after a day or two. Headaches that last longer than this are a sign that something could be seriously wrong. Headaches that get worse over time are also a sign that a more serious TBI could be at play.
Feelings of confusion
Not all symptoms of serious head injuries manifest in terms of physical pain. It’s also important to take note of any personality changes or unusual behaviors. People with severe head injuries often become forgetful, irritable and agitated. They may also struggle to communicate and form coherent sentences.
Dilated pupils
Signs of a severe head injury may also show in the person’s eyes. If one or both pupils appear dilated, this could indicate that they are suffering from a TBI. Checking for dilation of the pupils is typically one of the first checks doctors carry out on people involved in traffic accidents.
Treat all head injuries as emergencies
Since symptoms often don’t appear right away after a car crash, all head injuries must be initially treated as emergencies. Getting a thorough medical check is the only way to accurately assess your medical condition after an accident, slip-and-fall or a near-fall.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was the result of negligence, make sure you look into your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses, including pain and suffering.