AUTO INJURY?
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
It is not uncommon for a car accidents to cause a closed head injury, necessitating a traumatic brain injury treatment. This happens when the brain is suddenly pushed forward or backward and shaken against the skull. This rapid movement bruises or tears vital blood vessels and tissues in the brain. Additionally, an auto accident may also cause an open head injury when an object such as broken glass or other debris from the collision penetrates the skull and damages the brain. These wounds can completely alter the trajectory of your life, affecting your ability to work and enjoy the life you had before the accident. They require immediate attention.
Despite the devastating consequences of a head injury, it is often difficult for car accident victims to recognize the signs of traumatic brain injury in the immediate aftermath of the crash. It is crucial to seek medical attention after any collision where you hit your head. Knowing the signs can help you navigate the type of care you need.
Dealing with a TBI can be stressful and may require help from your family members. It can take time for your brain to heal, but certain memory and thought exercises can help.
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How Common Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
According to the CDC’s Surveillance Report on the incidence of traumatic brain injuries, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of TBIs in the United States. On average, car accidents account for 24.75% of hospitalizations related to TBIs each year.(https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/facts-stats/index.html)
Sadly, these numbers are likely low. The CDC notes that the report does not include brain injuries treated in emergency departments, urgent care centers, and primary care offices. In all probability, these scenarios encompass a significant number of car accident victims who sustain TBIs.
Frequently Asked Questions About TBI
A doctor will typically evaluate how the injury occurred and look for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, balance problems, vision changes, nausea, sleep disturbance or changes in mood. A neurological examination may assess memory and cognition, eye movements, balance, coordination, strength, sensation, reflexes and speech.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Changes in speech
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Tinnitus (ringing ears)
- Changes in vision or smell
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Memory lapses
- Mood changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Trouble falling asleep
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
If you experience a mild TBI, you may or may not lose consciousness. Some people are unconscious for seconds or minutes, while others experience a dazed or disoriented mindset right after the car accident.
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
- Ongoing or worsening headaches Repeated vomiting or persistent nausea
- Seizures
- Pupil dilation
- Clear fluid drainage from the ears or nose
- Difficulty waking from sleep
- Numbness and weakness of the fingers and toes
- Coordination challenges
- Severe or extreme confusion
- Unusual changes in behavior
- Slurring speech
- Agitated or combative behavior
- Coma or another consciousness disorder
Anyone is at risk for a TBI from a car accident, even infants and young children who may not be able to vocalize their symptoms. Parents should watch for changes in eating or nursing as well as unusual or inconsolable behavior such as irritability and persistent crying. Children may have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, seizures, drowsiness, mood changes, or lose interest in their favorite activities and toys.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Treatment in Oklahoma City – The Brooks Clinic
Expert Care for Auto Accident Head Injuries
A car accident can change your life in an instant—especially if it results in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At The Brooks Clinic, we provide specialized TBI evaluation and treatment throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Our goal: to help you recover as fully as possible, regain function, and protect your future.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain resulting from a sudden force or blow. There are two main types of auto accident TBIs:
Closed head injury:
Occurs when the brain is forcefully shaken inside the skull, causing bruising, tearing, or bleeding; common in strong whiplash or impact.
Open head injury:
Occurs when an object (such as shattered glass or debris) penetrates the skull and damages brain tissue. These head injuries can seriously affect your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy life. They require prompt, professional diagnosis and care to minimize long-term complications.
Why Are Car Accidents a Leading Cause of TBI?
According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States—accounting for nearly 25% of all TBI hospitalizations each year. Many more car accident victims sustain TBIs treated in emergency rooms or urgent care centers, making the problem even more common than reported.
Recognizing Signs of Brain Injury After a Car Accident
TBIs are often hard to detect right after a crash. Signs may show up immediately, or take hours or days to appear. Common symptoms include:
Mild TBI or concussion:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Memory problems or confusion
- Changes in vision, taste, or smell
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Trouble concentrating
Moderate to severe TBI:
- Unconsciousness lasting minutes or hours
- Ongoing or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Dilated pupil(s)
- Clear fluid leaking from ears or nose
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Slurred speech or extreme confusion
- Difficulty waking
- Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behaviors
- Coma or loss of consciousness
- Infants and children may not be able to express their symptoms.
- Parents should look for changes in feeding, persistent crying, irritability, excessive drowsiness, seizures, or lost interest in favorite activities and toys.
The Brooks Clinic Approach to TBI Rehabilitation
Every brain injury and every patient is unique. At The Brooks Clinic, our expert multidisciplinary team (medical doctors, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and more) develop a customized treatment plan for each individual. Our focus is restoring your function, improving your quality of life, and providing the support you need—every step of the way.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation & diagnosis
- Personalized physiotherapy exercises for cognitive and physical recoveryfor acute injuries
- Medication management
- Patient and family education
- Ongoing monitoring and support
Early intervention is critical. If you or a loved one may have suffered a brain injury in a car accident, call us right away.
Same-Day TBI Appointments & No Upfront Out-of-Pocket Cost
We make it easy to get top-quality care, fast. The Brooks Clinic offers same-day appointments at all 6 Oklahoma City metro locations, and for most auto accident cases, there is no out-of-pocket expense.
If you suspect a brain injury, don’t wait. Request an Appointment or call (405) 943-0303 now.
FAQ: Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident
How soon should I see a doctor after hitting my head in a car accident?
Immediately. Even mild symptoms can indicate a brain injury. Quick medical evaluation helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery.
What are common symptoms of a concussion or mild TBI?
Look for headache, nausea, memory issues, mood changes, fatigue, dizziness, and changes in sleep or concentration. Not all TBIs result in loss of consciousness.
How do you diagnose a traumatic brain injury?
Diagnosis involves a neurological exam, review of symptoms, and may include imaging tests (such as CT or MRI). At The Brooks Clinic, we use the latest diagnostic tools and clinical expertise.
What are the risks if a TBI goes untreated?
Untreated TBIs can lead to severe complications—permanent memory problems, physical disability, personality changes, and even death in severe cases.
Does insurance cover TBI treatment for car accident victims?
Yes. For most auto accident injuries, treatment is covered and The Brooks Clinic will coordinate billing with the auto insurance—no out-of-pocket expense in most cases.
Don’t ignore the signs of a head injury. Book your urgent TBI evaluation with The Brooks Clinic today and protect your health and future.