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Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, and some of the most serious are brain injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States.
Even a seemingly minor car accident can result in a brain injury, and the effects can be devastating and long-lasting. This is why it’s important to understand some of the most common brain injuries and seek medical attention immediately.
Common Brain Injuries
After a car accident, no matter how minor it may seem, it is of the utmost importance that you keep an eye out for possible brain injury symptoms. Some of these injuries can be life-altering or even lethal, so knowing what to look for could save your life.
- Concussions
One of the most common brain injuries from car accidents is a concussion. A concussion is a mild form of TBI caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury can range from mild to severe and can cause significant cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. TBIs can be caused by a direct impact to the head or by the sudden change in speed that occurs during a car accident. Symptoms of a TBI may include loss of consciousness, seizures, confusion, slurred speech, and cognitive difficulties.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries are a type of TBI that happens when the brain shifts and rotates inside the skull, leading to the brain’s nerve fibers tearing. This type of injury can result in widespread brain damage and can be immensely devastating. Symptoms could include a coma, vegetative state, or severe cognitive and physical impairments.
- Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injuries
Coup-contrecoup (pronounced coo contra coo) brain injuries happen when there is a direct blow to the head, and as the brain jolts backward, it hits the skull on the opposite side. This can cause bruising, bleeding, and damage to the brain at the initial impact site (coup) and the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). These symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the brain damage.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, even if there are no obvious signs of injury. Brain injuries can sometimes be challenging to detect, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
After seeking medical attention, contact our Bryan office. Brain injuries can often leave victims disabled, in a coma, or in a vegetative state requiring life-long care. Our attorneys have helped clients receive compensation to pay bills, receive treatment, and even future damages like loss of future earnings.
The road to recovery after a brain injury is long and tough but The Payne Law Group is here to help.