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3 often ignored signs of a brain injury after an auto accident

Motor vehicle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. External injuries are easily noticeable, while internal injuries may not show immediate signs. Brain injuries left unnoticed can have devastating consequences.

Severe headaches, nausea, seizures and other physical symptoms following a head injury are easily noticed warning signs for a possible brain injury. However, there are other symptoms of a brain injury that are slower to develop and often overlooked.

1. Sleep problems

Significant changes in sleep patterns can be an indication of brain injury. This can include difficulty sleeping as well as sleeping a lot more than usual.

2. Memory and concentration issues

Following an accident, confusion or forgetfulness may be a sign of a deeper problem. If someone is suddenly unable to complete a task that they could do before the accident or has trouble following conversations, they may have a brain injury.

3. Behavioral changes

In the days after a traumatic experience like a motor vehicle accident, anxiety or depression are typical and expected. Prolonged noticeable behavioral changes, severe mood swings, agitation or aggression following a head injury are often signs that something could be wrong. These behavioral changes are often attributed to a post-traumatic stress disorder, but take care not to ignore the changes if they began after a head injury occurred.

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one following a car accident or any other incident that involved a forceful blow to the head, especially if there was a loss of consciousness after the initial injury, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. A proper diagnosis will lead to much-needed treatment and care. A prompt brain injury diagnosis increases the chance of a fuller recovery.