Luckily, most car accidents are minor fender-benders at slow speeds. However, what many accident victims do not know is that even minor fender-benders can cause a traumatic brain injury. Indeed, any jolt can cause a TBI, along with any blow to the head, but sometimes, minor motor vehicle accident victims have TBIs, and it is important to recognize the symptoms.

TBIs are on a spectrum

First, it is important to understand that the description of the TBI as, “severe,” “moderate,” “mild,” “minor,” “major,” etc. simply refers to the effects victims suffer. But, even a minor TBI can be serious that requires prompt medical attention by a Placerville, California, medical professional.

TBI symptoms

Mild TBIs are, generally, characterized as temporary effects, but there is a wide range of phycological and physical effects that can appear immediately or hours or days later. Physically, the most apparent symptom is a loss of consciousness, along with convulsions and seizures. The longer that loss or seizure (or frequency of them), the more severe the TBI. Similarly, a persistent headache or a headache that worsens with time is a TBI symptom, as can nausea and vomiting. If there is clear fluid coming out of your nose or ears, or one or both pupils are dilated, the TBI is likely severe. Those with TBIs can also lose their coordination and have cognitive issues, like confusion, combativeness, slurred speech, agitation or unusual behaviors. Numbness can also be a TBI symptom, and it normally affects appendages, like feet, hands, toes and fingers.

Children

For children able to communicate, these symptoms are the same. For children who are unable to communicate, parents should look for other indicators. For example, children will often have drastic changes in their eating, and babies will change their nursing habits. Irritability and persistent crying, with no ability to console them, and changes in sleep patterns, including an inability to sleep or constantly sleeping are frequent TBI symptoms in children. Finally, if they seem to lose interest in their favorite activities or toys, this could be a symptom as well.

At-risk people

Children under 4, and young adults between 15 and 24 are at particular risk of TBIs. Older adults that are 60 and above are similarly at risk, as are males in all age groups, generally.