Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range in severity from mild to moderate to severe. A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, and many car accident victims sustain concussions each year.
Victims who hit their head in a crash should seek medical help so their injuries can be diagnosed and documented. Getting prompt medical help for a brain injury is essential. There could be internal bleeding which can cause swelling or other complications, including the ability to heal. Victims often believe a head injury is mild, but in reality there is no such thing as a mild injury to the brain.
What Risks Are Associated With A Concussion After a Car Accident?
A concussion can occur if the victim of a car accident experiences a jolt, a bump, or a blow to the head. A car accident can also cause a concussion when the impact of the collision causes the brain to bounce around within the skull. This can stretch and damage cells creating chemical changes in the brain. Because the brain moving around can be sufficient to cause a concussion, victims of a motor vehicle accident should be aware that a concussion can occur even without any direct blow to the head. A severe whiplash has also been known to cause a TBI.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that concussion symptoms usually show up right away. Sometimes, however, symptoms do not appear for days. If symptoms do not immediately appear, victims may believe there is no injury or that their injuries were not serious. This can be dangerous because TBI victims need to be observed and properly treated. In addition, misdiagnosed/undiagnosed TBI can make it harder for victims when seeking compensation for damages they incur related to the car accident. Victims should get checked out by a medical professional after every accident to insure proper treatment and to preserve their right to recover compensation for damages.
Concussions have both short-term immediate symptoms and long-term consequences. The Mayo Clinic lists potential symptoms of a concussion to include:
- a brief loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes;
- a state of disorientation;
- a headache;
- vomiting or nausea;
- fatigue and sleep difficulties or abnormal sleep patterns;
- loss of balance or dizziness;
- one eye pupil being larger than the other; and
- mild headaches that get worse rather than getting better.
Over the longer term, a concussion can cause memory problems, mood and personality changes, and decreased cognitive function.
Concussions are diagnosed using a 15-point Glasgow coma test. This test gives doctors a standard metric to measure the ability of an accident victim to move his or her eyes and limbs, and to follow directions. In addition to close monitoring of patient health, treatment of a TBI can include:
- diuretics to reduce fluid in the brain tissue that can create pressure and exacerbate a TBI injury;
- anti-seizure drugs for the first week after the car accident to help ensure no seizures occur which can cause further damage to the brain;
- putting the victim into a medically-induced coma. This is sometimes done because the brain may be compressed by increased pressure and blood vessels in the brain are unable to deliver the normal oxygen and nutrients. A brain that is comatose does not need as much oxygen.
How Can a Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Your Injuries are Personal to Me
When you are involved in a crash and you develop a concussion as a result, you need to understand how badly your head injury will affect your health over the short-term and over the long-term. The more serious your injuries, the more compensation you will need. Your injuries are personal to me, so I will handle every aspect of your case until your claim is resolved.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation to speak with a Long Beach car accident lawyer to learn how I can help you if you’ve suffered a car accident injury. You will be under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover compensation for your losses.
You can also download my convenient glove box checklist to keep in your car so you will know what to do if a crash occurs.