Head Injuries in Accidents

A head injury is any damage to the brain, skull, or scalp. They can range from severe to minor, but knowing the severity isn’t as simple as just a quick look. Head injuries should be properly assessed by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and no risks of complications. There are two types of head injuries, penetrating and nonpenetrating:

• Penetrating head injury: This type of head injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull into the brain tissue. Stabbings, gunshot wounds, shards of glass, or debris from a car accident can all break through the skull. A penetrating head injury can also occur due to a fractured skull driving bone fragments into the brain. Penetrating head injuries are severe and require immediate medical attention.
• Non-penetrating head injury: Non-penetrating head injuries still cause damage to the brain but with no direct impact. It’s the force of impact from a fall, sports injury, or motor vehicle accident that causes this type of head injury.

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is a head injury that causes damage to the brain. They are usually the result of a sudden blow to the head. TBIs can be both penetrating and a non-penetrating head injuries. When a TBI occurs, the brain may shift or twist inside the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or tearing of the brain tissue.

The effects of a TBI depend on the location of the brain damage. If the injury is to the frontal lobe, a person's ability to think, plan, or organize can be affected. Damage to the temporal lobe can impact memory and language skills.

Concussions

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head or body experiences a violent or sudden movement. This can cause the brain to move back and forth, leading to damage to the brain. While concussions are considered a mild form of TBI, they can have serious consequences if not properly diagnosed and managed.

Skull fractures

The skull is made up of 22 bones. Skull fractures are a type of injury that occurs when there is a break in one or more of these 22 bones. A mild break in the skull is usually not life-threatening, but when the break is severe, pieces of skull bone can lodge themselves into the brain. This can cause bleeding in the brain as well as the leaking of cerebrospinal fluid. Without proper treatment, the person affected is at risk of brain damage.

A strike to the head can move the brain inside the skull and cause a brain contusion – or in other words, a brain bruise. Although the brain can be bruised anywhere, common areas include the base and front of the brain. If left untreated, the contusion may grow and cause the brain to bleed and swell. People suffering from brain contusions are at risk of complications with brain function.

Hematomas

A hematoma is a type of head injury that involves a collection or clotting of blood outside the blood vessels. When a hematoma occurs in the brain, it can be very serious and potentially life-threatening. The clotting can cause pressure to build up inside the skull. If the pressure is not relieved promptly, it can cause the person to lose consciousness or even result in permanent brain damage.

Head injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms. Some head injuries may be immediately apparent, while others may take hours or even days to become noticeable. It's important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, as prompt treatment can help prevent more severe complications and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Your symptoms will depend on the severity of your head injury. For more minor head injuries common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Confusion or disorientation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in ears
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Difficult concentrating

While some head injuries are relatively minor, others are more severe. Some of the most common symptoms associated with severe head injuries include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Trouble with vision

Head injury diagnosis and treatment

When it comes to treating head injuries, your doctor will first run tests to properly diagnose the type of head injury you have. Through X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, your doctor can properly see the extent of damage that occurred to your brain. Then, they will discuss with you the best treatment options.

To ease a headache, your doctor may simply recommend rest and over-the-counter pain medications. When the head injury is more severe, other medications or even surgery may be necessary to repair any damage to the brain or surrounding tissues. This can range from removing blood clots to repairing skull fractures or other trauma to the brain. 
 

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury due to an accident, you know there is a lot at stake. An experienced attorney can assist you with everything from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary.

If you are suffering from a head injury and need legal assistance, contact an attorney in your area today to schedule a free consultation. While your attorney handles your case, you can focus on your recovery.