Natasha Richardson's tragic story is evidence that a minor head injury can turn deadly

The recent death of actress Natasha Richardson has brought needed attention to a very serious type of injury that can arise from even the smallest of car accidents: closed head injury and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because these injuries often leave no external signs of injury, and are sometimes deadly, they are referred to as the Silent Epidemic.

It's very common for someone who's had a fall or been in a car accident to appear perfectly healthy immediately after impact, yet suddenly and rapidly deteriorate from the after-effects.  In fact, many people will walk away from the accident and go home without seeking any treatment.  This is often when things turn for the worse. The assumption that they are ok can cost them their life.

Often, victims of a closed head injury will have a brain bleed that slowly causes pressure to build up,   causing them to experience the classic symptoms of TBI.        

What are the symptoms?

• Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation
• Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
• Light-headed, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Urge to vomit (nausea)
• Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
• Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
• Loss of sense of smell or taste

Remember: just because there is no pain, or no sign of external injury, if a car accident or slip and fall
causes you to strike your head, you must get an immediate medical evaluation as well as follow-up evaluations.  As evidenced by the tragic story of Natasha Richardson, even minor blows to the head can cause serious brain injury, or death.