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Which Car Crashes Cause Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries often lead to a lifetime of physical, emotional, and cognitive damage. A recent paper published by an aerospace and mechanical engineering professor developed a method for calculating the probability that a crash victim will suffer a traumatic brain injury – as these injuries are not always visible, and if not treated at once, can lead to death or permanent impairments.
TBI is a major cause of death or permanent disability in the USA, and these injuries are on the rise, as reported by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). An average of 153 people dies every day after suffering a traumatic brain injury, with 2.87 million emergency department visits every year. Over half of all traumatic brain injuries are the result of auto accidents. According to the study, these types of car crashes are more likely to cause a TBI:
The brain is a delicate structure, protected within the skull. In a vehicle collision, the head can strike another object, such as the steering wheel or windshield. This impact causes the brain to collide with the bone of the skull, as the brain continues to move when the head comes to a sudden stop. This tears the delicate network of blood vessels and nerves, leading to internal bleeding or bruising and swelling (contusion), a potentially fatal medical condition. Brain bleeds can occur when no injury is evident on the outer skull. It is imperative that you undergo a full medical evaluation after any car crash, as a closed head injury can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A TBI can lead to minor, major, permanent, or fatal consequences. Symptoms include:
Minor traumatic brain injury: The symptoms of a mild TBI can include loss of consciousness, feeling dazed, disoriented, or confused, headache, nausea, fatigue, problems speaking, inability to sleep, dizziness, loss of balance, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, changes in the ability to see, taste, or smell, and others.
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: Loss of consciousness, persistent headache, vomiting, convulsions, seizures, fluid draining from the nose or ears, weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, extreme confusion, agitation, slurred speech, unusual behavior, and coma.
If a person’s brain is damaged, symptoms may not appear for several hours, even when there is internal bleeding or bruising. Once the condition has progressed, it may be impossible to resolve, leading to permanent disability, a vegetative state, or loss of life. That is why it is important to seek medical attention to evaluate any injuries.
After a Car Accident in NC, Get a Lawyer on Your Side
Life can change forever in just seconds. When a car accident leads to a TBI, the victim may never again enjoy the quality of life he or she had before the accident. At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we offer a free initial consultation to auto accident victims. As trial North Carolina auto accident attorneys, we have the experience, knowledge, and skills to take your case to court to seek justice if necessary.
