Car Crash and Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury is caused by a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head.

Most traumatic brain injuries have an obvious source: often a car crash, slip-and-fall, or other serious accident. Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are serious injuries, but they vary considerably in symptoms and presentation. Some TBIs are borderline unnoticeable, while others can cause a temporary loss of consciousness. In a worst-case scenario, an untreated brain injury could lead to a coma or even death.

The 2 Types of TBIs

Doctors usually place traumatic brain injuries into either one of two categories. These are:

1. Blunt TBIs. A blunt or “closed-head” traumatic brain injury occurs if something hits your head with enough force to move your brain inside of the skull. Blunt TBIs are the most common form of traumatic brain injuries.
2. Penetrating TBIs. Penetrating or “open-head” traumatic brain injuries happen when a foreign object like a piece of glass or metal pierces the skull and physically damages part of the brain.

Penetrating brain injuries are more likely to cause debilitating physical and neurological injuries. However, closed-head TBIs are not necessarily any less severe. A mild concussion, for instance, is one of the most-frequently diagnosed types of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are usually categorized as blunt TBIs, and they do not always require any special treatment. In some cases, though, an untreated concussion can drastically worsen within an incredibly short period of time, potentially triggering internal bleeding and irreversible brain damage.

How Do I Know If I Have a TBI?

Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering, but that does not mean they are always easy to detect.

Many TBIs have a delayed onset. This means there is often a noticeable delay between an initial injury and the presentation of symptoms. Notably, if and when symptoms do start to appear, they are often ambiguous, sometimes so ambiguous that they are misattributed to other, less-urgent conditions.

The most common early-warning signs of a TBI include:

1. A brief loss of consciousness;
2. Nausea and vomiting when you do not feel sick;
3. Dizziness and other balance problems;
4. Headaches that keep coming back; and
5. Fatigue.

Traumatic brain injuries can affect your mood and mental health, too. Many people with mild concussions experience feelings of confusion and brain fog and struggle to concentrate on routine, familiar tasks. You might even notice small gaps in your memory, particularly the time immediately preceding and following the accident.

More severe traumatic brain injuries could lead to:

1. Losing consciousness for 30 minutes or more;
2. Going into a temporary coma or vegetative state;
3. Feeling noticeable weakness in your arms and legs;
4. Trouble speaking or communicating; and
5. Difficulty managing your emotions and impulses.

The Long-Term Effects Of A Traumatic Brain Injury

Doctors and medical researchers do not have a complete understanding of all the ways in which a TBI could affect your body, brain, and overall health. However, studies indicate that sustaining a single could increase your lifetime risk for a condition called “second-impact syndrome.” Second-impact syndrome is a life-threatening condition that could cause your brain to suddenly swell if you ever sustain another TBI.

You may also be at risk for:

1. Internal bleeding;
2. Recurring seizures;
3. Permanent and irreversible brain damage;
4. Neurological disability; and
5. A shorter life expectancy.

Gauging the immediate impact of a TBI is not easy, especially when you are struggling to make sense of a life-altering accident. Do not take chances with your rights: contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today at 716-839-3939 to schedule your 100% free, no-obligation consultation and find out how we could help you assert your right to a fair recovery.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!