How to Successfully Manage and Recover from A Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident?
While accidents are unfortunate, they actually are an undeniable part of our regular routine. People can suffer from accidents regardless if they were being careful on the road or not. There are plenty of different health complications and injuries that a person may suffer from after an accident. While most accidents result in minor injuries such as whiplash or a headache, certain blows can leave you hanging on the verge of life and death – or a little less, perhaps.
It is usual for your body to acquire a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the accident. The chances are when you hit your head during a collision or when something acts as a projectile and hits you – you get TBI. Many people consider a traumatic brain injury as something dramatic, resulting in some severe bleeding and issues. However, it’s just not it. Sometimes TBI has no actual symptoms. From nose bleeding to cracks in your skull, from mobility issues to body coordination – there are plenty of things you need to notice in your body.
What to Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If your first thoughts are to visit an emergency room, here is a clap for you. If you are not aware of what to do after an accident, here is what you need to hear; Always visit a doctor right after the police clear you.
In case of a TBI, the injury can trigger and worsen very quickly. Rush to your nearest emergency doctor. Most accident doctors avoid taking complex cases of neurological issues and injuries. However, if you are serious about recovery, keep the following things in mind:
No Symptoms ≠ No Injuries
Okay, so you went for an MRI, and there was nothing detected? Well, that’s great but not entirely relieving. There are plenty of symptoms that do not emerge immediately. Some of them may even take weeks to come. It is all about your gut. If you have strong feelings about having a brain injury, book yourself for further testing. Your doctor should be your health buddy. Find out about the intensity of pain and tell them. Even if you don’t have any major pain around the head, get yourself registered for a test again. Change hospital, observe more frequently. Whatever you do, do not just rely on an essential MRI. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and ask them how it is normal. Ask them for a recovery timeline for your personal benefit and even then, if you don’t feel good, follow up again.
Do Not Rule Out Everything in The Early Stages
Initially, there may be a lot of or literally no symptoms at all. In some cases, neurology doctors notice that an initial crack on the skull results in far more complex neurological and nervous system issues. In some cases, your doctor may rule you out for a specific injury, but it can come back later. Your brain and nervous system go through an intense amount of change after the accident. It becomes a bit hard to detect all the issues at once. Your brain will only address a problem when it has a low burden and sufficient room to identify the problem. So, regardless of what the reports say, do not rule out everything immediately.
Do Not Hide Your Symptoms
It may be complex and challenging for you to admit that you have a TBI but, it’s really not your fault. It’s tough for a person to get over the fact that a simple blow to the head has distorted their physical, mental, and financial health. However, the real problem arises when you start hiding your symptoms. As we mentioned above that it’s normal for an MRI to not detect something in the first go. Even so, you need to figure out how you are feeling. Is there a change in your body coordination? Are you feeling normal, or is there something odd about yourself? Is your headache unusual? Do you have a personality change? When you ask yourself questions, it becomes easier for you to determine what you’re feeling. Your symptoms help doctors determine a solid recovery plan for you.
Don’t Find Yourself Alone
No, no, no! People with mental disorders are not crazy, and people with TBI are definitely not crazy. You don’t need to have some sort of mental incapacity to be crazy. It really comes from within. However, a traumatic brain injury can leave many people wondering about the stability of their mental health. While you’re doing this, know that you’re not the only person in this world to have a brain injury. There are plenty of support groups out there, and when you have your family with you – everything is reachable. If your doctor recommends a specialist, book with them immediately.
Seek Help for Trauma
Accident + Brain Injuries = major trauma. Your mind will go through a series of emotions which only you will understand. If you feel that your feelings are taking the best of you, it’s probably PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder requires professional therapy sessions to help you feel better and sort out your emotions. Don’t think of it as another financial challenge along the way. Consider PTSD as a solution to all the stress that you’ve been feeling lately. A professional therapist will help you recognize your emotions and sort them out. However, they recommend that you have the willingness and determination to feel better.
Give Yourself Time
You have just been through a major trauma. Your body is physically and mentally exhausted. Give yourself credit for pushing it this far, but also give yourself time to heal and process everything. If you want a break from work, take it. If you want to keep a distance from your social circle for a while, maintain it. Whatever helps you heal and recover – just do it. Mental peace comes with lifestyle changes. If you are willing to make some healthy changes to your diet and activity levels, it will go a long way in the recovery process. Also, many medical professionals recommend meditation as a healthy source of mental strength and peace. Start from 15 minutes a day and increase it gradually until it becomes a part of your life.
Continue Other Treatments
Accidents can leave other injuries to your body. Continue getting treated for those as well. One of the best ways to promote quick recovery is by never missing a doctor’s appointment. If you have a session with an orthopedic specialist – take it. If your chiropractor is waiting for you – go, there. Just do not fixate that since you have TBI, it is impossible to get over it. Leading a normal life with some lifestyle changes is the best way to recover from a traumatic brain injury.
Conclusion
Traumatic Brain Injury can happen after a car accident. However, it does require immediate medical attention as well as vigilance on your end. You need to be certain about your symptoms and the changes your body is going through. TBI is nothing to be embarrassed about because you can fully recover with proper self-care and love. Just focus on this treatment and your other recommended treatment plans to get better as soon as possible.
