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What is often referred to as a “head injury” is really a traumatic brain injury. While you may have sustained cuts, abrasions or even a skull fracture, what is inside your head, your brain, is much more important than your head.
If you have been diagnosed with a concussion, this is also a form of a brain injury. If you have sustained a significant brain injury which the doctors could see on a CT scan or MRI which may require surgery, then your brain will likely never be the same again.
Thankfully, most concussions are mild in nature such that the brain heals within a few weeks leaving you with no ongoing problems, sometimes even a mild injury can have lifelong consequences.
Changes After Brain Injury
It is well known that the person who sustained the brain injury often will not notice or understand that they have changed after the trauma. Therefore, another person who knew you before the car accident should look for signs of long-term problems.
What 3 things should you, your family, and friends look for after a head injury caused by a car accident?
- Changes in memory. This is the most obvious one to look for which includes forgetfulness, losing your train of thought and in severe cases not knowing who your friend or family member is.
- Changes in hygiene. This is not always as obvious as changes in memory, but if your loved one forgets to take a shower, brush their teeth, comb their hair or otherwise shows a significant change in their hygiene habits then they may be experiencing the long term affects of a brain injury caused by the car accident.
- Changes in character. If your loved one used to be calm and now is easily angered, this is a big warning sign that there they are dealing with the long-term effects of a brain injury. A spouse commonly notices this, but sometimes is noticed more by other friends of family. If someone tells you that you or your loved one has changed since the car accident, it is best to get some help.
Steps After Brain Injury
If you notice one of the above warning signs of a long-term brain injury, what should you do?
Do not wait, immediately seek specialized medical care with a concussion clinic. Yes, your family doctor can diagnose a concussion, but they are not specifically trained in detail about how the patient can make the best recovery possible following a brain injury.
Concussion Clinics can offer specialized medical care including speech therapy, physical therapy, medications, counseling, and much more to assist a person who sustained a head injury. There are several Sports Medicine and Concussion clinics throughout the state of Iowa. If you are in Central Iowa, then you should contact the Unity Point Sports Medicine and Concussion Center in Urbandale as they are among the best in our state.
If you are experiencing what is called post-concussive syndrome then you may be dealing with headaches, forgetfulness, memory loss, and more. It is once again recommended that you seek the expertise of a concussion specialist to make the best recovery possible.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one sustained a head injury in an Iowa auto accident, then you may be confused and scared about what to do next. Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.
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