One of the consequences of being involved in an accident and hitting your head can be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although this kind of injury can occur in an instant, the consequences can be long-lasting and life-changing.
The symptoms of a very minor head injury will usually subside within a few days or so but this isn’t always the case when the trauma is severe. It can change the way you act, think and behave. People who experience this type of injury can find that it also impacts their health in other ways.
It can cause anxiety and depression
There are two primary reasons for this upsetting shift in a TBI victim’s perception. A TBI may cause changes in the brain due to the damage experienced which can cause feelings of anxiety and depression. It can impact your relationships with the people around you if your personality is altered as a result of the trauma. This can feel isolating and difficult to accept.
Anxiety and depression may also be symptoms of the life changes that result from a traumatic brain injury. The things you used to enjoy may no longer be of interest to you or you may feel like you’ve lost the enjoyment of life you used to have.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Those who have experienced a traumatic, life-altering event, such as a catastrophic car accident, may experience flashbacks and a horrifying, incapacitating fear of going about their daily lives. This is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A TBI may also result in post-concussion syndrome. It can alter your thinking and behavior, which can make life very challenging. Common symptoms include panic attacks, feeling overwhelmed and lightheadedness. This is partially due to difficulty in distinguishing real threats from perceived danger.
A TBI caused by a car accident can be devastating and can leave you with a lot of anger towards the at-fault party. Seeking rightful compensation can help give you the justice you deserve and the time and resources you need to recover.