The brain, as protected as it is by the skull, is not immune to injury. One common way someone may sustain a brain injury is in a car accident.
While some head trauma is easy to spot, some signs may remain beneath the surface. Discover some of the more subtle signs of a traumatic brain injury after a crash.
Stomach problems
The stress caused by a motor vehicle accident may take its toll on the body in various ways. Stomach issues may rear up in the hours and days following a crash. Before dismissing these as side effects of stress, understand that nausea and vomiting are also symptoms of a brain injury, especially if they persist.
Sleep issues
The brain is unpredictable, and so are the warnings that indicate it has sustained an injury. A person who feels especially fatigued to the point of falling asleep at irregular and frequent intervals may have head damage. Likewise, insomnia may also point to a brain issue. Some people with brain trauma may fall unconscious without warning.
Frequent headaches
The most obvious sign that the brain has an injury is a headache. While a headache may not seem out of place following an accident, it should resolve with over-the-counter medication. Watch for head pain that gets worse, even after taking something. If nausea, vomiting or dizziness occur with the headache, a brain injury is likely.
A traumatic brain injury may result in a lifetime of fallout. Since the brain controls every other part of the body, even a small area of damage may leave a person with a faltering body system. Seeing a doctor soon after a crash may help diagnose a head injury before the damage worsens.