If you’re traveling along a Louisiana highway and another vehicle hits you, you’ll want to closely monitor your health in the days and weeks that follow. It is always a priority to obtain medical attention after a car accident. However, you could have an underlying injury that does not immediately present symptoms, which is why it’s imperative that you pay close attention to how you feel during recovery. There are several post-collision symptoms that are cause for concern and could, in fact, suggest that you have suffered a brain injury.
You can expect to feel sore and emotionally upset after having been involved in a motor vehicle crash. Emotional trauma may be more intense if a drunk driver, or someone who was texting while driving or otherwise distracted behind the wheel, hit you. There are several post-collision symptoms that should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.
Jaw or facial pain may be a sign of brain injury
If you experience pain in your jaw or facial region, including your ears, following a car accident, it is worth mentioning to a physician, who can then conduct tests to rule out brain injury. This is also the case if you have ringing in your ears, even if you’re not necessarily experiencing pain. Any pain in the head or facial area, especially if it arises hours or days following the incident, is a symptom that suggests that there could be an underlying problem, such as a brain injury.
If you notice any type of fluid draining from an orifice, such as your ear or nose, this, too, might mean that you have suffered a brain injury and are in need of specialized medical care.
Your mood and cognitive behavior can also be suggestive of brain injury
As mentioned earlier, it is understandable to be emotionally upset after a motor vehicle collision. If your moods in the following hours or days seem erratic, however, it is worth discussing with a physician because this is often a brain injury symptom. If your cognitive skills feel impaired, such as having trouble concentrating or remembering simple things, or feeling confused or disoriented, it is best to seek medical attention right away. A brain injury often produces these types of symptoms.
Additional issues of concern might include feeling nauseous, vomiting, having trouble eating or sleeping, feeling off-balance when sitting, standing or trying to walk, or experiencing vision problems.
Recovery beyond medical care following a Louisiana collision
When a motorist acts irresponsibly and causes you injury, it can spur feelings of frustration and anger, in addition to the typical emotional trauma that occurs with accident victims. A brain injury, or even a less severe injury, can have an immediate and far-reaching impact on your life. You might not be able to work and might need daily living assistance at home.
Seeking financial recovery for damages is often part of the aftermath of a Louisiana collision for a recovering victim whose injuries occurred because of another driver’s negligence. This typically includes filing a claim in a civil court, which may lead to court-ordered compensation that can help offset medical expenses and financial strain due to lost wages at work or other costs associated with a motor vehicle accident.