Brain Injuries From Car Accidents

Car accidents are common occurrences that can cause a host of injuries. Those who survive a car crash may be left with mild to severe injuries, including brain injuries.

Brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe injury that leads to bruising. These injuries can affect the body in various ways. Many are long-lasting or even permanent. Here’s a look at some common brain injuries from car accidents.

Concussion

Concussions are the most common type of brain injury. They are typically mild, although they can sometimes be serious. They usually don’t require extensive treatment. In fact, most heal on their own with rest.

Contusion

A contusion is a bruise in the brain. They are usually caused by blows from sharp objects. While some are minor, many lead to swelling, which requires emergency treatment.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal injuries are commonly caused by car accidents. They are caused by extreme forces exerted on the head and brain. They occur when the brain moves around inside the skull, and this can cause fibers within the brainstem to tear. Many people with these injuries often end up in comas.

Coup-Contrecoup

A coup-contrecoup is caused by impact with an object in two places: at impact site and the opposite side of the brain. These injuries are caused by the brain moving around within the skull. If the movement causes the brain to collide with the opposite side of the head, a person could suffer two brain injuries.

Open Head Injury

An open head injury involves a fractured or cracked skull. It is caused by an object penetrating the brain and skull, such as projectiles in a car accident. An open head injury may require surgery to relieve pressure from a swelling brain.

Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injuries are not caused by outside injuries but internal ones. Anoxic and hypoxic injuries are the most common types of acquired brain injuries. In these cases, the brain lacks oxygen and blood, causing brain cells to starve and possibly kill them. Because dead brain cells cannot regenerate, a person with these injuries can suffer lifelong effects.

Brain Injury Symptoms

Brain injuries can cause a variety of symptoms. Some occur immediately, such as blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mental confusion. Other symptoms to be aware of include:

• Amnesia/memory problems
• Aggression
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Stiff muscles
• Slurred speech
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Loss of smell
• Ringing in the ears

Contact Us Today

Brain injuries can happen from any type of accident, but are especially common in car crashes. They can be long-lasting or even permanent, require a lot of medical care, and be very costly to treat.

The Florida brain injury attorneys at Meldon Law know how scary suffering a traumatic brain injury can be. We offer personalized service and aggressive representation so you get the compensation you deserve. We have three offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale. Fill out the online form or call (800) 373-3000 to schedule a free consultation.

Resource:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594