Serious auto accidents can have terrible consequences on the human body. One of the most devastating injuries that may occur is brain damage. Brain injuries can be either immediately evident or take hours, or even days, to manifest.
If you are involved in a major auto accident, it is crucial to accept medical assistance at the scene and go to the hospital for treatment. A head injury that seems mild can, in fact, be very serious once swelling sets in.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
A blow to the head can cause a brain injury. This can happen in a car accident when your head hits a hard surface or is struck by debris. The force of the impact determines the extent of the damage.
You can undergo diagnostic tests for various types of traumatic brain injuries at the hospital. These include:
- Contusions, which are also known as brain bruises. A contusion can happen when your head is struck forcefully enough that your brain is banged against your skull.
- Concussions are milder injuries that can leave you dealing with a headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Coup countercoups occur when the brain is injured in two places. For example, a hard blow to the head on the left side can cause the brain to bang against the right side of your skull, resulting in two injuries.
- Fractures of the skull can occur when the blow to the head is so strong that the skull breaks open.
When you have suffered a brain injury in an auto accident, you will likely accumulate substantial medical expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek advice from someone who understands the severity of the situation associated with such traumatic injuries.
