Head injuries can be somewhat of an enigma and there are head injury signs not to ignore. Sometimes it is very clear when someone has a head injury in the worst of accidents when there is clear visible evidence. However, all too often, and even in minor accidents, the jarring of the body that happens when a vehicle comes to an abrupt stop can shake the brain initiating what could become a serious problem. This is why, no matter how insignificant you might think your accident was, it is in your best interests to get to a medical professional immediately for an evaluation. There are also head injury signs not to ignore as it is always better to be safe than sorry. Unlike any other injury, including spinal cord injuries, head injuries can mask themselves as something as minor as a headache. That is why if we offer these indicators of a possible head injury:
These symptoms of head injuries are commonly missed by the victim. Again, do not self-diagnose, get to a doctor and even an emergency room if you have any of these symptoms following an accident.
1.) Neck Pain or stiffness: This is a common self-diagnostic error thinking that your neck is sore from the seatbelt or that “it’s just a minor case of whiplash”. Often times this pain doesn’t appear for hours after the accident and it can be one of the first indications that you’ve sustained some injury in the brain.
2.) Sleep Issues: If you are having difficulty sleeping or staying asleep and/or feeling extra tired, weak or fatigued, these are head injury signs not to ignore. Worse yet, these symptoms could take days to show themselves. They can also lead to frustration, depression or irritability. In some cases, dizziness can also be a symptom.
3.) Forgetfulness: This may also not get detected initially and may take days or weeks to be noticed. It can also be present right away but ignored as part of the emotional stress from the accident. The inability to recall common matters like phone numbers, names or recent activities are red flags.
4.) Disorganization: This can onset in a number of way and tracks with forgetfulness. But the inability to multi-task or complete activities and a lack of focus are manifestations of this symptom. For a person who is normally organized, this can also fuel frustration or depression as the ability to stay on task without explanation can be a real frustration.
5.) Issues with Balance: This can be subtle in some cases or severe in others. Sometimes just walking up a couple of stairs or getting up out of a chair will cause a feeling of imbalance. In other cases, this could be perpetual where the injured just can’t seem to achieve balance. This is a sign that your brain, which regulates your balance, is injured.
Remember that there is nothing more important than your brain. It is the most complex organ in the human body and contains many mysteries. Don’t put your health at risk because your too busy or macho to see a doctor if you suspect a brain injury or anytime following an accident where you’ve sustained a good jarring.
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