Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are notorious for being among the most expensive and debilitating injuries associated with crashes. The human brain is a delicate organ that a motor vehicle collision can easily damage.
Those with moderate to severe TBIs may have hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses over the course of their lives. They may experience a noteworthy drop in their earning potential. A TBI can change someone’s ability to live independently and might even alter their closest relationships.
Despite being among the most catastrophic injuries possible, brain injuries are also some of the easiest injuries for people to ignore initially. Why do people often overlook the warning signs of a life-altering TBI following a car crash?
The body’s stress response
The human body has a very specific reaction to dangerous and stressful scenarios. The ability to fight or flee after an initial injury is crucial to survival. Unfortunately, the chemical reaction people have to an incident like a car crash can mask the symptoms of a TBI and might prevent them from getting the medical support they need immediately after the wreck.
The broad assortment of different symptoms
Every brain injury manifests differently. Some people immediately develop a headache or a persistent sense of nausea. Others might experience dizziness and issues with their sense of balance or motor control. The many potential symptoms can make it more difficult for people to notice quickly when they have warning signs of a TBI. They may have an unrealistically restricted idea of what symptoms they need to watch for after a car crash. In reality, there might be dozens of different symptoms depending on the location and severity of the injury.
The slow progression of symptoms
There are many different ways for a car crash to injure the human brain, some of which cause more immediate damage than others. It is quite common for people to have a small but concerning injury that continues to develop after the initial trauma. The swelling of the brain or the loss of blood inside the skull could lead to increased pressure over time and worsening or new symptoms. Seemingly minor symptoms like headache or blurry vision might worsen or persist for days, leaving someone frightened.
It is surprisingly easy and commonplace for people to overlook TBI symptoms and to receive a delayed diagnosis after a car crash. That delay in medical evaluation and treatment can lead to a worse long-term prognosis. It can also make it more difficult for people to obtain appropriate compensation. Receiving a prompt medical evaluation can make a major difference for those with traumatic brain injuries caused by car crashes. People who receive a diagnosis shortly after a crash could stave off certain worsening symptoms and may protect their right to pursue compensation for their injuries.