If you are involved in a collision or accident and suffer a blow to the head, you might assume you have no reason to seek treatment if you don’t experience any symptoms or signs of injury. However, this assumption could prove to be fatal, or at least cause lasting damage. Since the brain is an internal organ, not every traumatic brain injury (TBI) produces symptoms right away, and once symptoms emerge, the damage could be severe or even life threatening. Let’s take a closer look at brain injuries that don’t present obvious symptoms but could be very dangerous nonetheless.
Contact an AttorneyA concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can be caused by an impact to the head, rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head, or shaking of the brain inside the skull. Concussions sometimes present no symptoms at first, but they can still result in bruising or bleeding in the skull that may eventually result in symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, irritability, or problems sleeping. In a few cases, concussions can cause lasting brain damage, especially if not treated.
Also known as a hemorrhagic stroke, a brain hemorrhage refers to uncontrolled bleeding inside the skull, either outside or inside the brain, and typically when a blood vessel ruptures. Depending on where on the brain it occurs, a hemorrhage may not cause immediate symptoms, but if it’s not treated immediately with surgery, it can cause severe headaches, vision problems, loss of movement (usually affecting one side of the body), and death.
A brain hematoma refers to blood pooling and/or clotting in the brain. It can sometimes form after a major impact to the head. Although it can occur in any part of the brain, it often occurs on the outer surface or inside the skull. If inside the skull, they are known as intracranial hematomas and are considered to be life threatening. If you’re not sure, go to the hospital first, and ask questions after.
Edema, also known as brain swelling, is fluid accumulation in the skull due to a buildup of fluids following a major impact. Many cases of edema are treatable without long-term effects if caught early. However, if not addressed, edema can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, neck stiffness, difficulty speaking, changes in vision, memory loss, and more.
The good news is that many brain injuries are treatable. Doctors can prevent permanent brain damage or death with early detection and treatment. However, because these and other brain conditions may not produce symptoms for hours or even days, it’s essential to get evaluated by a doctor after any collision or impact that affects the head. Even if you feel and appear to be fine, being proactive could save your life.
Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences of motor vehicle crashes. When a collision forces the head to strike a window, dashboard, steering wheel, or even just violently jolts the brain inside the skull, bleeding can occur. This type of internal bleeding is known as an intracranial hematoma, and it’s a serious condition that often requires immediate treatment.
Although intracranial hematomas can happen in many situations (such as sports injuries or falls), car accidents are among the leading cause. Even low-speed crashes can generate enough force to injure the brain.
Head injuries often require emergency care, ongoing rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring. Medical bills can escalate quickly, especially if you’re unable to work. Insurance companies may also try to downplay the seriousness of your brain injury because symptoms might be delayed.
Depending on the severity of the impact, a traumatic brain injury can be very expensive to treat—not to mention the cost of recovery, maintenance treatments, and loss of income.
Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights. If you have suffered a TBI in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation from the person(s) at fault. Our brain injury attorneys have a long track record of success in helping our clients recover damages for their injuries. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
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