A large majority of Tennesseans could agree that there is hardly a more frightening experience than a car accident. When an accident involves a serious injury such as brain trauma, those levels of fear can seem all the more magnified.

Dealing with a serious injury can make steps such as handling car insurance and addressing vehicle damage pale in comparison. While each situation can require varying levels of assistance and medical attention, there are some basic steps one can take to make a traumatic brain injury more manageable. 

Knowing the Symptoms

Depending on the seriousness of the crash, it may take extended periods of time for one to discover a TBI. The Brain Injury Society shares some common symptoms of this type of injury after a car accident, such as loss of consciousness, dizziness, changes in sleep quality and patterns, memory problems and confusion. There are many other symptoms that could hint toward a TBI, but the BIS urges readers to never dismiss even the most insignificant symptoms, as they could reveal larger, otherwise hidden issues.

Starting the Recovery Process

As with most brain injuries, the length of time it can take to recover can vary. BrainLine points out that, in milder cases, one might expect a speedy and complete recovery; however, with more severe cases, brain injury recovery could take extended lengths of time (and, in extreme situations, could be impossible altogether). As BrainLine shares, most medical professionals gauge recovery time using the Rancho Los Amigos scale, which measures the severity of brain injuries through eight different levels. Once a doctor gets a clear picture on one’s injury and the projected recovery timeframe, they can then move on to the recovery process itself.