Car accidents happen in the US every day. Most of them end in devastating injuries, which can change your life forever and sometimes cause death. Severe injuries mean long hospital stays, heavy medical expenses, huge amounts of income loss, and many other losses. A car accident brain injury is one such injury that can cause long-term issues.
If you or someone you know has suffered a devastating brain injury after a car accident, you should not let the responsible party get away with it. You might face months of rehabilitation preventing you from working. In such a case, you are entitled to compensation. To get legal help regarding your situation, consult with a Rockford auto accident attorney.
How does a car accident brain injury occur?
A car accident brain injury usually occurs when your head receives a hard jolt or blow, disrupting the brain’s normal functioning. Some injuries are minor and only result in short-term issues, while severe injuries may cause prolonged memory loss or unconsciousness. According to a report by the CDC, a significant cause of brain injuries is road car accidents.
Some types of brain injuries you can get in a car accident includes the following:
- A concussion occurs due to a direct blow or vigorous shaking of the head.
- A coup-contrecoup is where there is bleeding at the injury site.
- A contusion occurs due to a direct impact and causes bleeding in the brain.
- A penetration injury where objects are forced into the brain or the skull in an accident.
- A diffuse axonal is a severe condition causing permanent damage to the brain and skull and long-term effects. Immediate treatment is required.
Symptoms of a brain injury to watch out for after a car accident
It is common not to experience any symptoms of a brain injury immediately after a car accident. However, it is still recommended to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. Meanwhile, watch out for these symptoms:
- Change in sleep patterns
- Concentration problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue, dizziness, and loss of balance
- Convulsions or seizures
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision and speech problems
What does a brain injury treatment look like?
A brain injury treatment usually involves three essential steps, but depending on the severity of your injuries, your doctor may not include all of them.
- Your doctor will first conduct several tests to find out the problem.
- Your doctor will lay out a treatment plan.
- Severe injuries may require extensive rehabilitation plans.
