Traumatic Brain Injuries & Car Accidents

Car accidents occur daily and in a matter of seconds, though the effects can last for the rest of someone's life. Visible injuries or damage caused by impact, such as cuts or broken bones, are typically treated immediately. One of the most commonly overlooked consequences of a car accident is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

I personally think this topic is so important for awareness and safety because I have personally been affected by a head-on car accident, and my mom consequently suffered a traumatic brain injury. What I learned is that recovery and resilience while battling invisible injuries are greatly impactful to an individual.

During a collision, the body experiences instant acceleration and deceleration forces. Therefore, even if an individual's head doesn't necessarily hit anything, the brain can still be jolted and move around in the skull. These rapid movements can often lead to concussions, brain bruising, or even bleeding or swelling within the brain. Although most vehicles have airbags or technology that can help reduce a hard impact, there is still no way to avoid the danger. The scariest aspect of traumatic brain injuries is how truly undetectable they can often be. The effects of one are not always immediate due to the adrenaline or shock of a crash. Many leave the scene and feel somewhat normal until symptoms develop later on.

Many of the symptoms are subtle and easily dismissed. Common signs of TBI include headaches, dizziness, confusion or memory loss, sensitivities to noise or light, and even irregular mood changes. I think these indications can be quickly invalidated or blamed on other factors, such as stress or panic from the crash. Car accidents are so traumatic because you are not only experiencing something, but in addition, you are dealing with the effects of it. An individual's recovery is such a complex processs and many experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional instability. These are not personal issues but rather neurological factors that should be treated with extreme care and compassion.

Immediate medical care is so crucial, even when someone feels “okay” after an accident. It is better to rule injuries out or act fast upon them before problems are just brushed off or ignored. Turning a blind eye to brain injuries can worsen the effects or lengthen recovery time.

This should not be viewed just as information but rather from a lived experience. A head-on collision changed my life and my family's lives. I hope individuals are encouraged to seek immediate care and take symptoms seriously. Also, emphasizing empathy to survivors or individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Awareness can save lives and brains.