A vehicle accident is typically a violent clash between two fast moving masses. As such, an accident has the force to cause a traumatic injury to the brain.
Each case of brain injury is unique and is capable of producing a wide range of symptoms in patients. It is helpful to understand how a mild brain injury compares to a severe brain injury.
Mild traumatic brain injury
According to the Mayo Clinic, a mild traumatic brain injury exhibits a wide range of physical symptoms. These symptoms include headache, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and drowsiness. A person affected by a traumatic event such as a car accident could suffer a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or a few minutes, though this is not always the case. The person might experience a dazed feeling or moments of disorientation. In addition to physical symptoms, sensory symptoms such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light and sound may occur. Cognitive or mental symptoms may include the following: problems with memory or concentration, concerns with mood swings and issues with anxiety or depression.
Severe traumatic brain injury
In the cases of a severe traumatic brain injury the above symptoms may also occur, but other telltale signs often manifest as well. The Mayo Clinic differentiates the signs of a severe brain injury in several ways. The loss of consciousness could be as long as several minutes to several hours. A headache could be persistent or worsen. The presence of seizures or convulsions indicate a severe injury, as does the presence of pupil dilation in one or both eyes. These are just a few of the indications of a severe brain injury.