If you have ever been involved in a major car accident, then you may know that one of the most common injuries is a concussion. This condition is akin to traumatic brain injury and it can be caused by a blow to the head or other blunt force trauma. The symptoms can include headaches, difficulties with cognition, and a condition called brain fog. These can all happen immediately after the accident, or they can begin to manifest themselves hours and even days afterward. The worst part is that it can take a long time to recover from these cognitive difficulties following a collision.
What are the symptoms of brain fog?
There are a number of different symptoms of brain fog. Sometimes referred to as neuro fatigue, those suffering from brain fog can often find it difficult to focus, especially at work or during conversations with others. Sufferers literally feel like they are lost in a fog. As a result, taking care of routine matters at work or chores around the house can become a real challenge. You may also be suffering from brain fog if you feel constantly fatigued. You may not have the same energy levels you did before the accident. In addition, you may also experience confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. Some folks who have brain fog have also complained of mood swings, while their loved ones have noticed significant personality changes.
What are the causes of brain fog?
There are two main causes of brain fog: traumatic brain injury and whiplash. With respect to traumatic brain injuries, you may have received a blow to your head during the collision. In some cases, when the driver or front-row passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, his or her head hit the windshield as a result of the collision. Even if the person was properly seat-belted, the force of the impact from the collision caused the brain to hit the skull and then rebound against the other side. This can sometimes cause bleeding, edema or hematomas that contribute to the feeling of brain fog. You may also suffer a concussion that does not involve significant traumatic brain injury, but can still lead to neurofatigue.
Similarly, a whiplash injury can also result in brain fog. The damage to the tissues of the neck, shoulders, and back impinges on the ability of the nerves to properly interact with the brain.
How can brain fog be treated?
If you have been in an accident and the symptoms of brain fog persist for a period of time, you should seek medical care. There is a chance that the brain fog is a symptom of a more significant injury. In any event, you should not wait longer than two months to get this checked out.
Your physician will initially determine if you are suffering from post-concussion syndrome. If this is the case, then he or she will prescribe therapies and medicines designed to address the elements of your condition. A great deal will depend on the specifics of your injury, including how it is affecting your cognition.
For patients who are not suffering from post-concussion syndrome, the physician will probably approach the brain fog with a combination of exercise, diet and relaxation techniques. The goal is to treat the cause of the brain fog, while helping you cope with the symptoms. Similarly, if your brain fog is the result of whiplash, treatments for that injury will help you overcome the problems associated with your brain fog.
The good news is that brain fog is treatable. It may take time, but with proper care, you should be able to recover full clarity, allowing you to resume your life as you experienced it before your accident.
If you are injured in an accident that resulted in brain fog, call our firm today. Suffering a head injury in an accident can lead to many cognitive problems like brain fog. Fortunately, you may be able to receive compensation for your injury. If you are hurt in an accident here in New Jersey, The Cassidy Law Firm can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our firm today so one of our experienced personal injury attorneys can assist you.