A car accident can result in a violent impact on the head, perhaps by hitting the steering wheel or window. This may cause the brain to hit the bones of the skull, which can bruise or tear the nerves and eventually cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64,000 TBI-related deaths were reported in the US in 2020. Thus, it is important to be informed about this injury and get the needed treatment sooner. Here are four types of TBIs caused by car accidents:
1. Concussion
A trauma to the head or violent shaking of the body and head can lead to a concussion. This TBI type causes temporary symptoms like headache, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, memory loss and a brief loss of consciousness. It is considered a mild TBI.
2. Contusion
A contusion is a collection of blood outside blood vessels due to a bruise. The impact of a vehicle collision on the head can lead to bruises on the brain nerves, causing bleeding. This TBI type can lead to swelling of the head.
3. Skull fractures
The skull is a bony structure. Thus, an impact on it may lead to fractures. Symptoms may include nose or ear bleeding, swelling in the fractured area and bruises on the face. A skull fracture is dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
4. Penetrating brain injury
An object from a vehicle involved in an accident can break the skull and enter the brain. A penetrating brain injury causes adverse effects but can be managed when treatment is admitted on time.
TBIs have severe effects that can last for years. If you or your loved one has suffered any TBI injury after a car crash, you deserve quality treatment and fair compensation.