Common Types Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Florida Motor Vehicle Accidents
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens after you suffer a violent blow or jolt to the head. This kind of injury can also occur when an object goes through the brain tissue. According to research, motor vehicle crashes are among the top causes of traumatic brain injuries. Other common causes of traumatic brain injuries include falls, explosive blasts, violence, and sports injuries. Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity, but while traumatic brain injuries can be categorized as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe,” all TBIs should be taken seriously. After suffering a TBI in an accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of your injury. After seeking medical attention, you should speak to a skilled personal injury attorney who can help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim. You may have a valid personal injury claim if you suffered a severe traumatic brain injury because of another party’s negligence. This is true for all types of TBIs, including the following:
Concussions
A concussion is one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries. While concussions are especially common in contact sports, they can also occur in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other accidents. A concussion is a type of closed-head injury that happens when the head experiences a sudden jolt or blow. Any direct blow can cause a concussion, including impact with an airbag. Violent shaking of the head can also cause a concussion.
Concussions range in severity. A concussion can be mild, moderate, or severe. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a concussion;
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
While some concussions can cause a person to lose consciousness, it is crucial to note that most do not. Therefore, just because you didn’t lose consciousness after a car accident does not mean you could not have sustained a concussion.
Contusions
A contusion happens when the brain tissue is bruised or damaged because of a blow to the head. A contusion is typically localized bleeding in the brain. Like concussions, a contusion can be mild, moderate, or severe. Signs and symptoms of a contusion may include swelling, pain, difficulty understanding speech, localized numbness of tingling, dilated pupils, and trouble speaking.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
These injuries occur when contusions happen on opposite sides of the brain. Coup-contrecoup injuries are common in high-impact injuries. When the force of impact is so great, the brain can bounce off the skull on one side and then hit the skull again on the other. A coup-contusion occurs on the initial point of impact, and a contrecoup contusion occurs on the second point of impact.
Hematomas
A hematoma occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and blood collects in brain tissues or the empty spaces between the skull and brain. When blood builds up in the brain, it is called an intracerebral hematoma. When it builds up on the outside of the brain, it is called an epidural hematoma. If a blood clot happens between the brain and the dura, it is called a subdural hematoma.
Hemorrhages
Hemorrhages involve bleeding in the brain or dura mater. The four primary types of brain hemorrhages that you can suffer in a motor vehicle accident are;
- Epidural hemorrhage
- Subdural hemorrhage
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Intraparenchymal hemorrhage
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)
This type of traumatic brain injury happens when the brain’s nerve fibers are sheared or torn due to the head suddenly violently moving forward or backward. DAI can also result from rotational forces applied to the brain during an accident. Diffuse axonal injuries can disrupt nerve communication and damage a person’s cognitive and physical abilities. In some cases, a diffuse axonal injury can cause permanent brain damage or even death.
Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, a traumatic brain injury can also occur when an object goes through the brain tissue. A penetrating traumatic brain injury is an extremely dangerous type of TBI. Often, this type of TBI is life-threatening. In an auto accident, the following are some of the things that can cause a penetrating traumatic brain injury;
- Broken glass
- Flying objects
- Foreign objects entering the vehicle
Contact a Naples Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Florida motor vehicle accident because of another party’s negligence, we strongly encourage you to speak with a Naples personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro. We can help you file your personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
