Car accidents leading cause of brain injuries

Car accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries, which can cause severe damage if left unattended.

Recently, a family of five in Anaheim were the victims of a drunk driver after their vehicle was struck from behind. According to KTLA5, four members of the family involved in the serious car accident were injured and a 10-year-old died. While it is unknown what injuries the family suffered, it is quite possible that those injuries included brain injuries.

One of the leading causes of brain injuries in adults is car accidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. For young adults and children, car accidents are the top cause, and given their unpredictability and potential long-term effects, it is a good idea for people to learn more about them.

What does a brain injury involve?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states that a brain injury consists of two parts – primary brain damage and secondary brain damage. The brain is a delicate mass of brain cells and nerves, and when it is hit, those cells and nerves can get shaken. This can lead to primary brain damage, or immediate damage like fractures in the skull, blood clots and bleeding in the brain. Secondary brain damage can occur over time, as the brain continues to swell and applies pressure to the brain. The injured victim may also experience increased blood pressure in the brain, which could lead to further damage.

What are the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the signs of a major brain injury may show up on a screening or imaging test. The patient is also more likely to exhibit certain symptoms, including a progressive headache, repeated nausea and vomiting, seizures, neurological deficiencies, behavioral changes, trouble communicating with others, slurred speech and loss of coordination. People diagnosed with moderate to major traumatic brain injury often require extensive medical care.

Mild traumatic brain injury is often harder to identify, as many of the symptoms are indicative of several minor medical issues. For instance, a person who has mild brain injury may experience a headache, dizziness, fatigue, inability to sleep, trouble concentrating and dizziness. Some cases of mild TBI do not show up on traditional screening tests, and require more sophisticated forms of testing, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging. If mild TBI goes undiagnosed, however, it can be debilitating and may have severe health consequences. Some recommend that people involved in a serious car accident seek medical attention, regardless of whether or not they notice any symptoms.

Contact an attorney for legal assistance

People who have been involved in a car accident are often overwhelmed with the extensive pain and damage it can cause. Brain injuries may require expensive treatment, and people who are unable to work because of their TBI may find it difficult to keep up with the medical costs. A personal injury attorney in California may help to maximize the amount of compensation you can receive from your TBI car accident case. Contact the Law Offices of William W. Green & Associates to discuss your case.

Keywords: TBI, brain injury, accident

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