Delayed Head Injury Symptoms After an Accident

A head injury can occur in a variety of ways, such as a fall, car accident, sports-related injury, or assault. While some symptoms may be immediately apparent after an accident, others may not surface for several hours, days, or weeks. These delayed symptoms can be a sign of a severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury and should not be taken lightly. Here are some of the common delayed symptoms to watch for.

Headaches

Headaches are a common delayed symptom of a head injury and can be mild or severe. They may last for several hours, days, or even weeks. If you experience a headache that worsens over time or does not go away, it could be a sign of a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting may occur, and there are several reasons these symptoms can happen:

• Brain swelling: When a head injury occurs, the brain may swell, putting pressure on the surrounding tissue.
• Increased pressure in the skull: Due to bleeding or swelling in the brain.
• Inner ear disturbance: The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium in the body. A head injury can cause disruption, resulting in dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
• Pain: Head injuries often come with severe pain in the head and neck, which can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Dizziness and Balance Problems

Injuring the head can disrupt the vestibular system’s normal functioning, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When there is damage to the delicate structures in the inner ear, such as the semicircular canals or the otolith organs, this can cause dizziness, vertigo (a feeling of spinning or whirling), and balance problems. In addition, certain parts of the brain can cause problems with coordination, balance, and posture if it is damaged, such as the cerebellum.

Vision Problems

A head injury can cause blurred vision, double vision, or other vision problems because the brain and the visual system are closely connected. The brain is responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes, and damage to the brain or the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain can affect vision. Additionally, a direct injury to the eyes or optic nerve can result in vision loss or other issues.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Sensitivity to light and sound is a common symptom after a head injury and can be caused by damage to the brain or inner ear. For example, a concussion can cause changes in the way the brain processes sensory information, leading to heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

Cognitive Problems

Any damage to the brain can cause cognitive problems since it is responsible for a wide range of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. For example, symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, slow reaction time, trouble making decisions, or issues with speech.

Mood Changes

Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a blow to the head can affect the areas of the brain that control emotions, leading to a wide range of mood changes and emotional disturbances. Some common mood changes include depression, anxiety, irritability, and agitation, anger, and aggression, as well as sudden and intense reactions that are often inappropriate for the situation.

Even a seemingly minor head injury can cause serious complications, and prompt medical attention is crucial for a full recovery. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these delayed symptoms after an accident to evaluate the severity of the potential head injury and receive appropriate treatment. If you are diagnosed with a head or brain injury after your accident, contact a personal injury lawyer in Waco to review your legal options.