If you got into a serious accident and bumped your head, you could sustain a traumatic brain injury. These injuries occur when a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury, affects the function of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, over 69,000 people died from the effects of a brain injury in the U.S. and many more endured lifelong impacts. If you were in an accident and believe you have a TBI, watch out for the following cognitive, physical and sensory symptoms.
Cognitive and behavioral symptoms
After you sustain a brain injury, you could lose consciousness for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. You may also experience major mood swings, have a hard time sleeping, feel depressed and anxious and sleep more than you normally do.
Physical symptoms
If you have a brain injury, you may experience a chronic headache as well as ongoing nausea or vomiting. You may also experience issues with your speech and go through periods where you feel extremely dizzy or lose your balance.
Sensory symptoms
Some of the most common sensory effects of a brain injury include things like ringing in the ears, blurred vision and changes to your ability to smell. While recovering from a TBI, you may also become abnormally sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds.
Recovering from a brain injury is a process that takes time, and the recovery process looks different for everyone. Wait to go back to work and your normal daily activities until your physician approves and focus on resting and relaxing as much as possible.