If you’re involved in a car crash, one injury you may suffer is a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury has symptoms that may develop over time, known as delayed-onset symptoms, which is why it’s important for you to seek medical care after a crash even if you feel well.

If you did hit your head or have a headache following a car crash, then it’s even more important for you to seek care as soon as you can. Early treatment can make a big difference in the way you feel in the coming days and weeks and may help you avoid some complications of a worsening brain injury.

With moderate or severe brain injuries, you will notice a few different symptoms develop. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include:

• Slurred speech
• A headache that won’t go away or that continues to worsen
• Trouble waking up from sleep
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Nausea
• The loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Confusion
• Different pupil sizes
• Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Vomiting

In severe cases, these symptoms may continue to worsen and go on to lead to a coma or even death.

The good news is that there are treatments available for those with traumatic brain injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce swelling and bleeding, so that patients have fewer complications and secondary injuries caused by a buildup of fluids or blood inside the skull.

Emergency treatment usually consists of focusing on removing blood clots or pooled blood, relieving pressure inside the skull and repairing any fractures in the skull. Medications such as anti-anxiety medications, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, stimulants and others may also be used to manage the symptoms of the brain injury and help the patient during their recovery.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery and other treatments may also be needed in the short- or long-term. Those who have suffered injuries in crashes should remember that the at-fault driver may be held responsible for the costs associated with this care.