After a serious car accident where you sustain a traumatic blow to the head, you may struggle with the effects of a brain injury. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, every year, nearly 2.5 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury.
Some symptoms of your TBI may show up immediately following the accident. Others, however, may come on gradually, so you should know how to prepare yourself for the impending recovery process.
Keep a symptoms journal
You may notice a lot of symptoms from your brain injury after the car accident or just a few. As time passes, you may experience fewer symptoms or even more. Keep track of which symptoms develop and which subside over time by keeping a journal of your experience. Update it daily and always have it with you when you see your doctor.
Open up about your struggles
It can be difficult to accept your limited capabilities for a while. Do not suppress your frustration and talk to your friends and family members about your struggles. You may even want to seek help from a therapist or join a support group of people with similar injuries.
Get plenty of rest
Like any injury, you need plenty of rest to recover from it. Do not try to overexert yourself and give yourself permission to rest as much as you need. This may mean that you need to postpone going back to work or school after the car accident later than you originally thought.
