Most of us have hit our heads at some point, for instance, when playing sport or falling off a bicycle or skateboard as a child. Usually, we just get up and carry on. Yet blows to the head can be life-threatening.
If you hit your head in a motor vehicle crash, you should always consider the worst due to the significant forces involved. Getting a medical check-up straight after your collision is the only sure way to rule out severe damage such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Your head does not even need to hit anything
Bruising to the head after it hits the window or steering wheel would give instant cause for concern. Yet if you have your seatbelt properly fastened, you might not hit anything. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a TBI. If your brain hits the inside of your skull with sufficient force, that could be enough to do serious damage.
Here are some signs that you might have a TBI:
- You feel dizzy, have nausea or vomit repeatedly for no apparent reason
- You experience a severe headache
- Your pupils dilate, even if it is just one of them
- You notice clear liquid coming out of your ear or nose
Your yourself might not notice you have an issue. If a colleague or family member asks if you are feeling OK because you are acting a bit weird, they might have spotted the problem for you. People often act confused or seem more agitated than usual when they have a TBI.
If you suspect a TBI after a vehicle crash, you need immediate medical help to try and rescue the situation. You will also need legal help to investigate your options for compensation.