Types of traumatic brain injuries caused by car accidents

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2018 | Car Accidents

Many people are injured or killed on Ohio’s busy roads each year. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents can all lead to catastrophic injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most dangerous types of injuries, accounting for 1.7 million related deaths in America each year. Although brain injuries may be caused by other occurrences, such as sports-related injuries, falls, violence, explosions, medical malpractice and workplace accidents, car accidents remain the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.

TBIs are caused by an impact to the brain that causes trauma. Generally, there are four types of TBIs: concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries and penetration injuries. Concussions are the most common type of TBI. They are caused by direct impact trauma to the head, such as whiplash in a car accident. Those suffering from concussions may lose consciousness or may simply experience symptoms like confusion and dizziness.

Contusions are also caused by direct impact trauma, but they cause localized bleeding in the brain. Symptoms of a contusion include swelling and bruising inside the brain. Contusions may also cause potentially-fatal blood clots to form, which may need to be surgically removed. Diffuse axonal injuries are caused by shaking the brain, causing it to tear and disrupting the brain’s nerve cells. This type of injury causes lesions that may lead to a permanent unconscious state or other severe impairments.

Finally, penetration injuries may occur when an object strikes and enters the brain. There are often high-velocity projectiles involved in car accidents, which may cause catastrophic injuries.

Symptoms of a TBI may not be immediately obvious, therefore, people involved in auto accidents should seek medical attention as soon as possible following the accident. If the accident was caused by another person, it may also be prudent to seek the counsel of a qualified personal injury lawyer who may be able to assist in obtaining compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation and therapy costs, assisted care and other damages.

Source: FindLaw, “Brain Injury Overview,” accessed February 16, 2018

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