Car Accidents A Major Cause Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In The US
People who are involved in motor vehicle accidents are at risk of receiving traumatic brain injuries, which can cause serious cognitive dysfunction.
People who have been involved in California motor vehicle accidents may suffer from a number of different injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents were the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and the second leading cause of TBI deaths in the U.S. Even minor fender benders can result in severe brain trauma that can have a serious effect on people’s lives.
Point of impact
The impact from an auto collision can cause a person’s head to forcefully hit into the vehicle’s side window, steering wheel or the back of the seat. This sudden jarring motion can cause the soft tissue of the brain to hit against the hard interior of the skull bone. As a result, the injured victims may suffer from a skull fracture, as well as bruising, bleeding and inflammation of the brain. Objects that are flying around the car during a collision may penetrate the skull and damage the brain as well, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Recognizing the symptoms of TBI
In some cases, victims of car accidents may not know that they have a brain injury immediately after a collision occurs. The signs and symptoms of TBI may be hard to detect and can take several days to show up as the brain continues to bleed and swell.
The signs of a TBI can vary dramatically from person to person, depending on the force of impact and which area of the brain is injured. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, people suffering from mild traumatic brain injury may experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion and fatigue. Victims of mild TBI may also notice mood changes and have trouble sleeping.
More severe brain injuries, on the other hand, may result in seizures, slurred speech, tingling in the extremities, nausea, vomiting, migraines, muscle weakness and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Physicians may have difficulties diagnosing TBI, as some injuries do not show up on traditional TBI screening devices, such as CT scans, MRIs and patient assessments. Once an injury has been detected, doctors can create a personalized treatment plan that will focus on the patient’s particular needs. These plans usually involve a multi-dimensional team of professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
Finding the right legal assistance
Victims of auto accidents may want to obtain legal counsel from an established personal injury attorney in California. You may not be aware of all of your rights involving filing a personal injury claim and getting compensation for your injuries.
Keywords: TBI, brain injury, accident, car, motor vehicle
