You were in a very serious car crash, and you remember hitting your head on the window. You had a headache afterward, but you didn’t think it was bad enough to require hospitalization. You were lucky that you could walk away form the crash, and you didn’t even go to the hospital.
Now, you’re not feeling right, and there could be a reason for that. A brain injury is a possibility. A traumatic brain injury has a range of psychological and physical effects, some of which you may not notice immediately. Here are a few signs you should not ignore.
1. Headaches that won’t go away
If you have a headache that lasts days on end, it’s a sign that something is wrong. You might have thought it was just from stress, but if the headache persists and begins to get in the way of doing things you like to do, it’s a good idea to get a medical checkup.
2. Problems with your eyesight
What started off as slightly blurry vision you attributed to crying has not resolved. That can be a sign that your brain has swollen and that you need emergency care.
3. Nausea
Nausea that won’t go away after you’ve hit your head is a bad sign. It could mean you’ve suffered a concussion, so it’s wise to seek out medical help.
4. Unusual sleep patterns
If you just can’t sleep, or you have trouble waking up, that can be a sign that your brain isn’t working correctly. A doctor can take tests and find out what’s going on. It could be that your brain is swollen, that you are suffering from a concussion or that you have another disease or illness entirely.
5. Mood swings
Yes, being overtired or stressed after a crash is enough to cause mood swings, but if you notice you’re not in control of your moods more than usual, it could be a result of a brain injury. A trip to the hospital is in order.
These are just a few of many signs that you may be suffering from a brain injury. Make sure you get the medical help you need after a crash, so you can feel better as soon as possible.