We often associate car accident injuries with things such as broken bones and whiplash, cuts, and bruises. However, there can be extremely serious – even life-threatening – injuries that can you can’t even see. One of the most common serious injuries that often occur is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here are 5 common TBIs that can occur as a result of a car accident.
1. Concussion
We tend to think of a concussion as something that occurs when you hit an object. However, it’s actually sudden movement that causes your brain to hit the inside of your skull that causes a concussion. Concussions are often difficult to detect by yourself since many individuals who suffer a concussion do not lose consciousness. So how can you determine if you are experiencing a concussion? There are certain symptoms that are indicative of one. These include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Slurred Speech
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Ringing in the ears
- Vomiting
2. Contusion
The act of an object striking our head isn’t automatically a concussion; it’s actually considered a contusion. You can often detect a contusion through the following symptoms:
- Cognitive changes
- Slurred speech
- Numbness/tingling
- Difficulty with coordination/balance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty forming sentences
- Difficulty with memory
3. Diffuse Axonal Injury
Ordinarily, our brains and our skulls move in any one direction at the same time. However, when you are involved in an injury in which you come to a sudden stop, sometimes your skull may be moving forward at a speed faster than that of your brain. This can result in severe shaking or a severe rotation and is referred to as a diffuse axonal injury. These injuries should be taken very seriously, as they can at times cause the structure of your brain to tear. Immediate treatment is essential, so knowing the symptoms of such an injury is imperative. They include:
- Blurred vision
- Issues with memory
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Light/Sound sensitivity
- Ringing in ears
- Severe mood changes
- Vomiting
4. Coup-Contrecoups Injury
During very violent car accidents, such as those, which cause your vehicle to flip over, your brain can actually hit both sides of your skull, which can result in what is known as a coup-contrecoup injury. Symptoms of this type of TBI include:
- Swelling in the brain
- Bleeding in the brain
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Skull fracture
5. Penetrating Head Wound
While often gruesome to consider, there are times when an object not only hits you in the head but also can actually go through your head and skull. These penetrating head wounds should be taken very seriously, as they can at times prove fatal. Therefore, as with any TBI, it’s extremely important that you obtain medical attention as soon as possible. Complications from penetrating head wounds can include:
- Heavy blood loss
- Bleeding from the ears
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Loss of bladder and bowel function
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of movement or sensation in the limbs
- Paralysis
- Seizures
The Attorneys at Jones Kahan Law, LLC Can Help Those in OH Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another, it can greatly impact many parts of your life. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. That’s why it is so important to consult with a qualified Car Accident Attorney. He or she can help to gather the police reports, medical records, and the evidence necessary to prove your case.
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, our Cincinnati Personal Injury attorneys have a long history of dealing with car accident claims and have helped our clients to recover the compensation that they deserve. We will fight for what is in your best interest. We don’t charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win your case. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
