If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident in California, it’s imperative to receive medical care as soon as possible. It’s equally important to pay attention to any new symptoms that develop in the following days or weeks. There are several symptoms that suggest you may have suffered a brain injury. Disregarding such symptoms could cause your condition to worsen and possibly become life-threatening.
When you seek medical care for symptoms that have arisen following a motor vehicle collision, it is imperative to make sure that the attending physician knows you have been involved in a car accident. He or she will know what tests to run to check for skull fractures, swelling, concussion or other traumatic brain injuries.
These symptoms often accompany brain injury after a collision
The following list includes red flag issues that are often present when a person has suffered a traumatic brain injury:
- Vision problems, such as blurriness or sensitivity to light
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Persistent or intermittent headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to control emotions, mood swings
While it is possible to have these symptoms and not have a brain injury, it is best to seek medical attention because such issues often mean that the brain has suffered trauma.
Symptoms may worsen as time goes on
Often, more than one symptom occurs when the blunt force of impact in a collision has resulted in a brain injury. If one does not receive medical attention in a timely manner, symptoms may go from mild to severe and possibly become life-threatening. Treatment of a brain injury often includes several weeks spent in a dark and quiet room.
If a brain injury is severe, surgery or other medical procedures might be necessary, such as draining fluid from the brain to reduce swelling. This procedure involves drilling a small hole in the skull and inserting a tube to extract cerebrospinal fluid.
Who pays the medical bills?
If a doctor has diagnosed you with a brain injury, you may have to rely on loved ones, friends, medical professionals and others to provide support during recovery. You might also have to take time off work. Such issues can cause financial distress.
In the past, many recovering accident victims have sought restitution in a California civil court, after suffering injuries in a collision caused by driver negligence. In this way, the court can hold an irresponsible driver accountable for his or her actions.