Quick Answer Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident requires immediate neurological evaluation. Symptoms include headache, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, and personality changes. Even "mild" TBI (concussion) carries significant settlement value when properly documented. MAIC provides comprehensive TBI evaluation.

How Car Accidents Cause TBI

TBI occurs when the brain experiences sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, direct impact, or penetrating trauma. In car accidents, TBI most commonly results from: the head striking the steering wheel, window, or headrest; airbag deployment forces; and — even without head impact — the rapid deceleration forces of the collision causing the brain to move within the skull (coup-contrecoup injury).

The Spectrum of TBI Severity

  • Mild TBI (concussion): Brief loss of consciousness or altered mental status, followed by post-concussion symptoms. Most common in car accidents
  • Moderate TBI: Loss of consciousness 30 minutes to 24 hours; post-traumatic amnesia up to 1 week; structural damage visible on CT or MRI
  • Severe TBI: Prolonged loss of consciousness or coma; significant structural brain injury; long-term or permanent impairment

Warning Signs Requiring Emergency Evaluation

Seek emergency care immediately if you have: loss of consciousness (any duration), confusion lasting more than a few minutes, vision changes or unequal pupils, severe headache, vomiting, weakness or numbness in limbs, or speech difficulty. These may indicate a serious brain injury requiring immediate intervention.

TBI Evaluation at MAIC

MAIC's neurologists provide comprehensive TBI evaluation including cognitive testing, neurological examination, 3T MRI with advanced sequences, and structured reports for litigation. Call (888) 991-5290.