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Car accidents and traumatic brain damage: What you should know

On Behalf of | Nov 4, 2021 | Car Accidents |

Whether you are in a minor fender bender or a major collision, you run the risk of getting a traumatic brain injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 166 people die each day as a result of traumatic brain injuries.

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of brain injuries. In some cases, several days may pass before you notice the symptoms of a brain injury. It is important to seek medical treatment to ensure you did not receive a brain injury.

How do brain injuries occur?

Within the skull cavity, the brain sits suspended in cerebrospinal fluid. Any sudden bump or jolt to the head can cause the brain to hit into the hard skull bone. This impact can result in brain bruising, inflammation and bleeding. The severity of the injury depends on how hard the hit was and where the injury occurred.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of brain trauma also depend on what area of the brain was traumatized. According to John Hopkins University, mild to moderate signs of brain trauma may lessen over time and eventually disappear, while other symptoms may result in life-long damage. Some symptoms include the following:

  • Dizziness, confusion, coma and memory deficiencies
  • Sensory deficiencies, including issues with vision, taste, hearing and speech
  • Muscle spasms, weakness or paralysis
  • Fatigue and changes in sleeping patterns
  • Changes in mood or personality
  • Headaches, nausea and vomiting

People with more severe cases of brain trauma may undergo rehabilitation to regain or strengthen their abilities.

Upon seeking medical treatment following a serious car accident, physicians can determine whether you have suffered a brain injury, then customize a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.