Your brain is an essential part of getting through your day-to-day life. Your brain helps you go from one task to the next seamlessly while supporting all of your body’s vital functions.
Unfortunately, for all of the incredible tasks your brain can complete, there are times when it will make sense of symptoms that should be red flags. After an accident, you could have severe brain trauma while rationalizing the signs that should send you to the doctor.
These are some of the most commonly overlooked symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Fluctuations in sleep
Depending on your stress, activity level and age, your sleep habits may change from one day to the next. After a stressful accident, a change in sleeping patterns may make sense. Still, it can also signify that you suffered a significant head injury.
In the days and weeks after your accident, you should pay attention to symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty waking up
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
If you or a loved one notice changes in your sleeping habits, you should talk to a medical professional about your symptoms.
Changes in mood
Mood swings and changes in how you cope with stress can be another sign you suffered a severe head injury. Similar to changes in your sleep habits, changes in your mood also make sense since stress can impact how you process information.
You will likely need to rely on those around you to notice a change in your ability to cope with stress and manage your emotions.
Getting help sooner rather than later
The longer you wait to get medical attention for a TBI, the fewer options you may have for treatment. When you or a loved one notices that you are demonstrating symptoms of a brain injury, you should make an appointment as soon as possible.