Will an Injury from a Car Accident Cause Memory Loss?

Car accident victims commonly report head injuries; but, unfortunately, a head injury may not be noticeable right away. Even if you just have a headache after a crash, you should always consult with a doctor about your pain. Your headache may be a sign of a more serious issue, like memory loss. You might brush it off as being forgetful, but memory loss can be a symptom of a more severe head injury.

If you are experiencing memory loss after a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injury. Reach out to a car accident attorney for help with your claim.

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Types of Memory Loss after a Car Accident

It’s important to remember that memory isn’t just one function. Memory is divided into categories, like long-term, short-term, explicit, and episodic, to name a few. Memory loss affects different types of memory, and there are different types of memory loss a victim may experience.

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woman on a couch with a headache from a concussion and hand on her forehead

Anterograde Amnesia

The most common form of memory loss after an accident is anterograde amnesia. Those who suffer from this are not able to form new memories following an accident. However, they are still able to recall long-term memories.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia

Most people who suffer from memory loss believe their symptoms are simple confusion, but if you were recently involved in a car accident, it might be post-traumatic amnesia. With this condition, the victim is not able to remember any events that happen immediately after the accident. In most cases, they’re able to retain pre-accident memories.

woman holding her head in pain after an injury with a car accident scene in the background

Post-Traumatic Amnesia

Feeling tired. Side view of young woman in sports clothing keeping hand on forehead while exercising at gym

Retrograde Amnesia

Conversely to anterograde amnesia, retrograde amnesia causes victims to not remember anything before the accident, despite the ability to form new memories.

Memory Loss May Be a Sign of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Memory problems may be a sign of a more severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can affect the part of the brain that handles learning and remembering, and it usually impacts short-term memory more than long-term. People with TBIs may also have a hard time remembering appointments or calling someone back.

With the help of a doctor, people with TBIs can learn to work around their memory problems. However, this will most likely require numerous doctor’s visits and potentially physical therapy, the costs of which can all add up quickly. If the TBI is a result of the car accident, you may be able to receive compensation to offset the cost.

Symptoms of Memory Loss

Where broken bones are typically easy to pinpoint after an accident, it’s usually harder to determine if you’re suffering from memory loss. Since all head injuries are unique and show different symptoms, not everyone will have the same signs of injury. Some common symptoms of memory loss include:

Forgetfulness
Slowed ability to process information
Fatigue
Nausea and/or vomiting
Headaches or migraines
Sensitivity to light and sound
Ear ringing
Feeling foggy
Difficulty concentrating
Inability to organize thoughts
Vision impairment

As you can see, memory loss is much more than forgetting to turn the TV off or not remembering why you walked into a room. If you have any of these symptoms following an accident, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment.

What to Do for Memory Loss after an Accident

The moments after an accident are likely to be disorienting and confusing. But everything you do is vital to your case. When properly diagnosing memory loss, time is of the essence. The sooner a doctor tests you for memory loss symptoms, the sooner they can potentially rule out any life-threatening injuries. Additionally, you can’t treat memory loss without first knowing why you have it. A doctor will usually order a CT scan and help you on the road to recovery.

What to Do for Memory Loss after an Accident

Skilled Car Accident Attorneys

Suppose you’re suffering from memory loss due to someone else’s negligence. The top-rated attorneys at The Barnes Firm can help you navigate this complex time.

With a proven track record of success, we pride ourselves in helping car accident victims obtain the financial compensation they deserve. Complete a contact form to learn more about our services and how one of our attorneys can help you.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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