No two car accidents are ever alike. One of the injuries accident victims are likely to suffer following a car accident is brain injury. And an individual does not even have to experience a direct impact to sustain a brain injury – the sheer impact of the accident can cause trauma to the brain without external contact to the skull.
A brain injury following a car accident happens when there is a blow to the head – such as striking the windshield or car roof during the impact. Here are some of the brain injuries you are likely to sustain following a car accident.
Concussions
This is one of the most common types of head injuries following a car accident. A concussion can result in a temporary loss of consciousness. While you can recover from a concussion after a couple of days’ rest, it is important that you seek medical attention to establish the extent of your injury.
Intracranial hematoma
This type of brain injury happens when blood clots near or within the brain. Left unattended, an intracranial hematoma can trigger pressure on the brain, and this may result in permanent brain damage. Depending on the location of the clot, a hematoma can be described as a subdural, intracranial or epidural hematoma.
Axonal brain injury
This can be diffuse or focal. Focal axonal brain injury affects a single location of the brain while a diffuse axonal brain injury is indicative of a widespread injury to the brain tissue. Depending on the severity, axonal brain injury can be quite consequential.
One of the most complex injuries an individual can suffer following a car accident is a brain injury. Regardless of the severity, it is important that you seek medical attention at the earliest possible opportunity.