Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries You Shouldn’t Ignore After an Accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can change your life in an instant, but not always in obvious ways. After a car crash, fall, or other serious accident, victims often focus on visible injuries like broken bones or lacerations, overlooking signs of a brain injury that can be just as serious or even more so. In many cases, the symptoms of a TBI don’t appear right away. They may take hours, days, or even weeks to develop, making it easy to dismiss them as stress or fatigue from the accident.
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we represent clients throughout California who have sustained brain injuries due to the negligence of others. If you’ve been involved in any type of traumatic event—whether it was a car accident, truck crash, motorcycle wreck, fall, or sports injury—it’s critical to understand the signs of a TBI and seek medical attention right away. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to long-term damage, delayed recovery, and challenges if you later pursue a legal claim.
Below are symptoms of traumatic brain injuries that should never be ignored. For a free legal consultation and to discuss getting medical care and compensation while holding responsible parties accountable, contact our office to speak with an experienced and dedicated California personal injury lawyer.
Loss of Consciousness
Even a brief loss of consciousness after an accident may indicate a concussion or more serious brain trauma. Some victims black out for just a few seconds and mistakenly assume they’re fine once they “come to.” But any loss of consciousness is a red flag that the brain has been impacted and needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Persistent or Worsening Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms following a head injury, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. A headache that doesn’t go away, becomes more intense, or worsens with time may be a sign of brain swelling, bleeding, or increased pressure inside the skull. These symptoms can escalate quickly and become life-threatening if not properly treated.
Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting after an accident is often dismissed as a reaction to stress, but it’s also a hallmark sign of a brain injury, particularly when paired with a headache or dizziness. Repeated vomiting should be treated as an emergency and can signal a serious underlying problem, such as a hemorrhage or elevated intracranial pressure.
Dizziness or Balance Issues
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet after an accident can indicate damage to areas of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. This symptom may arise immediately or develop later, and it often affects a victim’s ability to return to work, drive, or perform daily tasks.
Blurred Vision or Sensitivity to Light
Visual problems such as blurry vision, double vision, or increased sensitivity to light are common with TBIs. These symptoms may point to injury in the brain’s occipital lobe or disruptions in how the brain processes visual information. Some victims also experience trouble with eye movement or focusing, which can interfere with reading or screen use.
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances
Traumatic brain injuries often disrupt normal sleep patterns. Victims may sleep more than usual, have trouble falling asleep, or feel exhausted despite getting adequate rest. Fatigue can persist for weeks or months after a TBI and is frequently accompanied by cognitive fog or emotional changes.
Confusion, Memory Loss, or Difficulty Concentrating
Cognitive symptoms are often among the most disabling aspects of a TBI. Victims may forget appointments, struggle to find the right words, or have difficulty focusing on tasks. These issues are not just frustrating; they are clear indications that the brain’s ability to process, store, and retrieve information has been compromised.
Mood Swings, Irritability, or Depression
After a TBI, it’s common for victims to experience emotional changes that feel out of character. Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and even sudden outbursts can all result from damage to the brain’s emotional regulation centers. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misunderstood or minimized, even though they have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life.
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears may occur after a brain injury or a blow to the head. Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent and may contribute to anxiety, sleep issues, and concentration difficulties.
Seizures
Seizures can occur soon after a TBI or emerge days or weeks later. Even a single seizure should be taken seriously and evaluated as a possible sign of brain trauma. Post-traumatic epilepsy is a known risk after moderate to severe TBIs.
When to Seek Medical Help—and Legal Help
If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, do not wait to seek medical evaluation. Some TBIs can be managed with rest and monitoring, while others require urgent medical intervention to prevent permanent brain damage. Early diagnosis is also essential for your legal case. Medical records and diagnostic imaging provide critical evidence linking your symptoms to the accident and the negligence of the party responsible.
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate life after a brain injury. Our attorneys work with neurologists, radiologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners to help our clients receive a full and accurate diagnosis as well as fair compensation, whether their injury occurred in a car crash, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, or another traumatic event. Call us today to find out if we may be able to help you prove your case in court and recover the resources you need to move forward.
Call Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury after an accident, don’t delay getting medical attention and legal advice. Contact the California offices of Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP for a free consultation.
