One of the biggest causes of head injuries is car accidents. While an airbag and seatbelt can reduce the likelihood of some injuries, they often don’t provide enough protection to eliminate their risk entirely.
There are several head injuries that are commonly experienced as a result of vehicle accidents. Understanding what these injuries are can help you to identify them in the event that you or a loved one is ever injured in a crash.
Concussion
One of the most common injuries experienced after sports injuries and motor accidents alike, concussions are caused by a sudden impact or blow to the head. Many people lose consciousness as a result of a concussion. Most people experience confusion, dizziness and blurry vision following a concussion.
Brain contusion
A contusion is a kind of bruise. Most bruises are annoying at best, but, when the brain is bruised, this situation can be seriously dangerous. A brain contusion can lead to swelling and bleeding, which may lead to blood clots, memory issues and pain.
Coup-contrecoup
If the brain is injured from the opposite side of the car that has been impacted, then medically, this injury is considered a coup-contrecoup. If the head suffers a heavy blow, the victim may then hit something opposite from the initial blow. The first hit that may cause an injury is called a coup, while the second impact is the contrecoup – victims can experience a coup and a coup-contrecoup in rapid succession.
Skull fracture
In nearly any of the above injury scenarios, the skull may suffer a break. Like a broken arm or leg, this can be extremely painful and takes time to heal. However, because a skull fracture can damage and expose the brain, victims must seek immediate medical attention.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition. PTSD results from someone experiencing a serious accident or event. Many people who have witnessed a death or were enlisted in war suffer from PTSD. Someone who’s developed PTSD after a car accident may be anxious and hesitant to drive, develop depression and may experience flashbacks. The physical and social consequences of suffering PTSD can be life-altering if they aren’t managed effectively.
If you’ve suffered a medical condition after a car accident, then you should be aware of your legal rights to seek compensation. Recovery from head trauma can be an expensive undertaking.
