A car accident can change your life in an instant. The sudden, violent force of a collision can cause significant harm, and one of the most serious and complex injuries a person can suffer is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to lasting brain trauma. Understanding the nature of these injuries, their symptoms, and the steps to take after an accident is crucial for your health and well-being.
This article will explain the different types of traumatic brain injuries commonly seen after car accidents. We will cover the signs to look for, the importance of immediate medical care, and how to protect your rights after a crash.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma, such as a jolt, blow, or penetrating injury to the head, disrupts the normal function of the brain. During a car accident, the rapid acceleration and deceleration can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This movement can lead to bruising, bleeding, tearing of nerve fibers, and swelling.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths. The severity of these injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe, life-altering damage. It’s important to recognize that even a “mild” TBI can have significant and long-term consequences.
Common Types of TBIs in Car Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries are not all the same. They are classified based on the type of damage and the level of severity. After a car accident, a person might experience one or more of these injury types.
Concussions
A concussion is the most common type of TBI. It happens when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. While often labeled as “mild,” all concussions are serious injuries that disrupt brain function. Following a car accident, you might not realize you have a concussion immediately, as symptoms can sometimes be delayed.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Contusions
A brain contusion is a bruise on the brain tissue itself. Like bruises on other parts of the body, a contusion involves bleeding and swelling. In a car crash, contusions often occur at the point of impact (a “coup” injury) and on the opposite side of the brain as it rebounds against the skull (a “contrecoup” injury). A large contusion or significant swelling can be very dangerous and may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
Penetrating Injuries
A penetrating brain injury is one of the most severe types of TBI. This occurs when an object, such as shattered glass or a piece of metal, pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are often catastrophic and carry a high risk of permanent disability or death. They require immediate emergency medical intervention.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
A diffuse axonal injury is a devastating injury that happens when the brain moves so violently that the long connecting nerve fibers (axons) are sheared and torn. This happens on a widespread, microscopic level. DAI is common in high-speed car accidents due to the strong rotational forces. Because it doesn’t always cause obvious bleeding, it can be difficult to detect on CT or MRI scans, yet it can lead to severe and lasting cognitive and functional problems.
Understanding the Severity of TBIs
Medical professionals often categorize TBIs into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. This classification helps guide treatment and predict potential outcomes.
Mild TBI (Concussion)
A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or experience a loss of consciousness for only a few seconds or minutes. Symptoms often include confusion, headaches, memory problems, and mood changes. While most people recover from a single concussion with rest, repeated concussions or a severe initial impact can lead to long-term issues.
Moderate TBI
With a moderate TBI, the loss of consciousness can last from several minutes to a few hours. The confusion and cognitive impairment can last for days or weeks. Individuals with moderate TBIs often experience more significant physical, cognitive, and behavioral complications that can persist long after the injury.
Severe TBI
A severe TBI is a life-threatening medical emergency. It results from a crushing blow or penetrating injury to the head, causing extended periods of unconsciousness or coma. These injuries almost always lead to permanent impairments that affect speech, motor skills, cognitive function, and emotional control. Long-term rehabilitation and around-the-clock care are often necessary for survivors.
Symptoms to Watch For After a Car Accident
The signs of a traumatic brain injury can be subtle or severe, and they may appear immediately or develop hours or days later. Never ignore any new symptoms after a car wreck.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:
- Physical Symptoms: Loss of consciousness (any duration), persistent headache, nausea or vomiting, seizures, clear fluid draining from the nose or ears, weakness or numbness in limbs, and loss of balance.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, memory loss (amnesia), difficulty concentrating, disorientation, and slurred speech.
- Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
- Sensory Symptoms: Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Delaying medical treatment can put your health at risk. What seems like a minor issue could be a sign of dangerous swelling or bleeding in the brain.
What to Do After a TBI from a Car Accident
If you suspect a traumatic brain injury after a car accident, your health is the top priority. Go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away for a complete evaluation. Proper diagnosis is the first step toward recovery.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a serious injury like a TBI. The medical bills can pile up quickly, and you may be unable to work. You do not have to face this challenge alone. Consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney can help you understand your legal options. A knowledgeable attorney can handle the insurance claims and legal processes, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They will work to secure the compensation you need for medical treatment, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.