Forgetfulness After a Car Accident
Individuals commonly experience forgetfulness after a car accident as a symptom of a serious head injury. Common types of head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, brain bleeds as well as traumatic brain injuries. Forgetfulness could be the direct result of the car accident, especially accidents where an individual strikes their head on the windshield, steering wheel or other parts of the car. Individuals suffering from these types of injuries can experience forgetfulness at any stage of the injury, and even during the healing process. Injuries ranging from a mild concussion to a serious brain injury can result in an individual experiencing a myriad of forgetfulness and other memory loss issues.
Individuals suffering from any type of brain injury can experience forgetfulness after a car accident. Brain injuries can cause many types of cognitive symptoms and impairments, including forgetfulness. When an individual is in a car accident, swelling from the trauma can put pressure on the brain, restricting the flow of information. While often a decrease in swelling will result in the return of memories, for some individuals, memories may never resurface. When an individual experiences torn fibers in the brain that are no longer able to make the appropriate connections to access memories, a complete loss of memory may ensue. This can have devastating effects, as often these injuries are permanent and life-altering, preventing individuals from returning to work and performing even routine daily activities.
Many individuals who suffer from forgetfulness after a car accident experience what is known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). PTA is a state of confusion or loss of memory immediately after a traumatic event like a car accident. This generally occurs when an individual is involved in a car accident that results in a traumatic brain injury from a blow to the head. Anterograde amnesia is the most common type of memory loss that is reported after an accident. Anterograde amnesia happens when an individual is unable to remember the events that occur following a car accident. As a result of an incorrect encoding in the brain, memories that are lost due to anterograde amnesia are never regained. Another type of amnesia commonly suffered by car accident victims is retrograde amnesia. An individual suffering from retrograde amnesia experiences the loss of memories that are formed before a traumatic head injury.
Accordingly, it is imperative that individuals document and report any forgetfulness after a car accident so that it can be proven in court that this symptom is directly related to the accident. Regardless of the amount of memory loss an individual experiences, it can be extremely difficult to carry on with daily functions. Even routine tasks like finding a parked car can create a mountain of frustration for individuals suffering from forgetfulness after a car accident. Memory loss can have a negative impact on an individual’s life, and should be treated seriously, especially after a car accident.
At West Coast Wellness, we understand that forgetfulness after a car accident can be frightening, but you don’t have to handle it alone. West Coast Wellness and Dr. Barr are here to help you treat your symptoms. We help patients throughout Southwest Florida regain their health and overcome symptoms related to car accident injuries. Contact us at (941) 210-3969 to discuss your treatment options today.