5 Traumatic Brain Injuries that Can Occur in a Car Accident

5 Traumatic Brain Injuries that Can Occur in a Car Accident

Car Accidents

When we think about injuries from a car accident, we often imagine whiplash and broken bones. But unfortunately, there are some injuries that you cannot see, some injuries that can actually be life-threatening.

In fact, head injuries are some of the most common injuries that occur. Here are 5 traumatic brain injuries that can occur in a car accident.

 

1. Concussions

When you’re involved in a car accident, the sudden movement that occurs often causes your brain to hit the inside of your skull. When this happens it is called a concussion. Sometimes concussions can be difficult to identify on your own, as most people do not lose consciousness. However, there are specific symptoms to look for:

  • Difficult concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Slurred Speech
  • Vomiting

 

2. Contusions

Sometimes car accidents may cause you to strike your head on an object such as the steering wheel or window. Alternately, you may be struck in the head by an object. This is called a contusion. Common symptoms of contusions include:

  • Cognitive changes
  • Difficulty with coordination/balance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty forming sentences
  • Difficulty with memory
  • Numbness/tingling
  • Slurred speech

 

3. Diffuse Axonal Injuries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

When you’re involved in an accident in which the vehicle stops abruptly, your skull may be moving at a faster speed than your brain. This severe rotation or severe shaking is referred to as a diffuse axonal injury. Diffuse axonal injuries can be extremely serious in that they sometimes lead your brain structures to tear if not immediately treated. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of common symptoms:

  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Issues with memory
  • Light/Sound sensitivity
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in ears
  • Severe mood changes
  • Slurred speech
  • Vomiting

 

4. Coup-Contrecoups Injuries

When you’re in a car accident that is extremely violent or forceful, your brain may jerk, hitting both sides of your skull and causing it damage. This brain injury is called a coup-contrecoup injury. Common symptoms of this head injury include:

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Skull fracture
  • Swelling in the brain

 

5. Penetrating Head Wounds

Sometimes you don’t just hit your head on an object or have your head hit by an object; sometimes an object can actually go through your skull. This is called a penetrating head wound. Because these wounds can be extremely serious and sometimes prove fatal, like all head injuries you must be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Penetrating head wounds can also cause a variety of complications, such as:

  • Bleeding from the ears
  • Coma
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heavy blood loss
  • Loss of bladder and bowel function
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of movement or sensation in the limbs
  • Paralysis
  • Seizures

The Goss Law Firm Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, The Goss Law Firm can help. To learn more or to schedule a FREE consultation, call the Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers at the Goss Law Firm at 816-527-8658 today.