The moments after a car accident are a blur of adrenaline and confusion. In the chaos, it's easy to overlook a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially when there are no visible wounds. But in the weeks that follow, the cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms of a concussion can disrupt your life in ways you never expected.
Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most misunderstood and underestimated consequences of serious car crashes. At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, our Virginia car accident lawyers understand the long-term effects of TBIs. We've seen clients struggle with memory loss, mood swings, and job performance issues long after the initial crash. Fortunately, you have legal options to get the support you need to heal.
Recognizing the Subtle Symptoms of Mild TBI
One of the greatest challenges of mild TBI recovery is that the symptoms are often subtle and easy to overlook, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident. Family and friends may not understand why you're not yourself, and insurance adjusters may dismiss your concerns as exaggerated. However, even a minor concussion can cause lasting changes in brain function.
Common signs of mild TBI include:
- Persistent headaches. While it's normal to have headaches immediately after an accident, pain that lingers for weeks or months could indicate ongoing neurological issues.
- Memory lapses. You may find yourself forgetting names, missing appointments, or struggling to keep track of tasks. Short-term memory loss is common with mild TBIs.
- Difficulty concentrating. You may feel mentally foggy and easily distracted, making it hard to focus on work or follow conversations. It may be hard to learn new things as easily as you once could.
- Mood swings. Increased irritability, anxiety, and depression are common after a concussion. You may feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster without knowing why.
- Fatigue. Even if you're sleeping more than usual, you may still feel exhausted and lack your usual energy for daily activities.
The Ripple Effects on Work and Relationships
When mild TBI symptoms persist, they can create a domino effect of challenges in your professional and personal life. Cognitive struggles can affect job performance, leading to missed deadlines, costly errors, or even disciplinary action. You may have to take unexpected time off work for medical appointments and recovery, leading to lost wages on top of growing health care expenses.
At home, your loved ones may not understand why you seem withdrawn, forgetful, or quick to anger. Roles and responsibilities may need to shift to accommodate your healing process, causing resentment and tension. Friendships and social connections can fray as you struggle to keep up with activities you once enjoyed.
Getting the Right Diagnosis and Treatment
Because mild TBI symptoms can be elusive, it's critical to work with health care providers who specialize in brain injury recovery. A neurologist, neuropsychologist, or physiatrist can perform targeted tests to identify cognitive and motor deficits and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your specific challenges, your treatment plan may include:
- Cognitive therapy. Working with a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist can help you rebuild memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises can improve balance, coordination, and endurance, helping you regain physical function and independence.
- Psychotherapy. A mental health professional can provide strategies for managing mood changes, anxiety, and stress related to your injury.
- Medication. In some cases, prescription medications can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, sleep disturbances, and depression.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident
When someone else's negligence causes a crash that leads to a mild TBI, you shouldn't have to bear the financial burden of your recovery alone. However, getting fair compensation can be an uphill battle when your injuries are invisible to the untrained eye.
That's where an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer can make all the difference. At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, we know how to document the true costs of mild TBI, from medical bills and lost wages to the profound emotional impacts on your quality of life. We work with trusted medical experts to demonstrate the severity of your condition and fight to secure the resources you need to rebuild.
