One of the most common injuries that occurs in traffic accidents is a head trauma injury. It can be particularly dangerous because it’s often missed during an on-scene examination or even at the hospital, only to manifest later as a serious problem. A ‘bump on the noggin” could actually be a serious concussion or worse.
Here are some things that could be going on in an accident victim’s head that are not visible from an external examination:
Concussion – A concussion occurs when the head sustains trauma due to sudden movement or impact, causing the brain to bounce against the hard walls of the skull. It can result in blurred vision, confusion, nausea, memory loss, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. Repeated concussions can potentially lead to permanent damage.
Contusion – A contusion is a bruise located on the side of the brain that affects the brain tissue, occurring because of a sudden impact. It can range from minor to life-threatening, and can also increase cardiovascular risks.
Edema – Any head injury can result in edema, also known as swelling. Though numerous injuries cause swelling in the surrounding tissues, this is more serious when it occurs in the brain as it leads to a buildup of pressure in the brain.
Whiplash – Whiplash results from a rapid forward and backward movement of the head, thus possibly stretching and damaging the muscles and tendons in the neck.
Hemorrhage – Hemorrhage is uncontrolled bleeding in the brain. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the space around the brain, while an intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding that occurs within the brain tissue.
Diffuse axonal injury – Also known as a sheer injury, this injury does not cause bleeding but instead damages the brain cells. Diffuse axonal injury is among the most dangerous forms of head injuries as it can lead to long-lasting brain damage and even death.
Secondary Impact Syndrome – Also known as SIS, this occurs when an individual suffers a second traumatic brain injury before healing from the first traumatic brain injury. It can result in massive swelling of the brain, and sometimes, can lead to the loss of blood flow to the brain and eventually death.
If you are involved in an accident and you think you may have injured your head it is important to have a thorough examination immediately. If the doctors at the hospital don’t feel it is necessary or they will not pursue aggressive testing, please reach out to a personal injury attorney who can help.
Sometimes people feel a head or neck ache a day or two after an accident, and it is due to one of the above serious injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, loss of work, and pain and suffering. We will work hard to help you.
The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has worked with hundreds of head injury victims over more than two decades and we understand the proper course of action to make sure people are properly diagnosed, treated, and compensated for their injuries. Please call us if you have any questions at 954-356-0006.