Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
As research continues to confirm the link between car accidents and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), physicians are placing additional emphasis on the importance of monitoring for brain injuries following any high-impact accident. With car accidents being a leading cause of TBIs, it is wise to know the signs and symptoms of these serious, potentially life-threatening injuries if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident.
Traumatic brain injuries can range in severity from minor to severe, and symptoms may not develop for days, weeks, or even months after the injury occurs. In many cases, serious TBIs have long-term, and even permanent consequences, and are often progressive. The damage caused by a TBI can cause changes in behavior, movements, and even a person’s overall personality. In fact, certain TBI symptoms are often confused for emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety, and they may worsen over time.
Signs of TBI Following a Motor Vehicle Collision
If you have been injured in an auto accident, an experienced MA car accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed. In the days, weeks, and months following a collision, it is imperative to look out for the signs and symptoms below. If you develop any of these problems, it is in your best interest to seek medical treatment without delay.
- Loss of consciousness, even if only temporary
- Memory problems
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vision problems—especially blurred vision
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Motor problems
- Personality or behavioral changes
- Depression
- Disorientation or confusion
- Sleep problems
Keep in mind that you may be suffering a TBI without experiencing any of these symptoms. Even if no symptoms are present, you should visit your doctor if you’ve experienced any kind of head trauma, or violent shaking.
Do You Have a Concussion?
Concussions are the most common type of mild TBI. A concussion can begin with a brief loss of consciousness—generally, only a few moments—or no loss of consciousness, and symptoms will usually appear within a few days of the injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 14.3 percent of all concussions are caused by motor vehicle crashes. As such, crashes are the third most common cause of concussions. A Boston car accident lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.
Neuro-degeneration
According to the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, even a minor traumatic brain injury can initiate the neuro-degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s. This is true even when the injury occurs in young people. Neuro-degeneration is “the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons and is the cause of such diseases as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington.” The researchers established a link between TBI and all three of these neuro-degenerative diseases.
Treatment for a TBI
In some cases, extremely minor TBIs may require nothing more than rest and relaxation for a few weeks following the injury. However, medication, therapy, rehabilitation—and sometimes surgery—are needed. Some examples of TBI treatments include:
- Prescribed rest and relaxation, no sports or other high-impact activities
- Medications, including but not limited to—anti-anxiety meds, anticoagulants, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, anticonvulsants, and stimulants
- Surgery to remove blood clots or bleeding in the brain, repair skull fractures, and/or relieve skull pressure
- Rehabilitation to relearn basic skills such as walking or dressing
Altman & Altman, LLP—Top Car Accident Law Firm in MA
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of car accident victims for more than 50 years. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys will thoroughly analyze the details of your case to determine the most appropriate legal solution, and we’ll ensure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
