Car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, which may lead to severe disabilities and even death.
Many Georgia motorists who have been involved in car accidents understand that tragic collisions can result in serious injuries. In some cases, the injuries obtained from motor vehicle accidents can be life-changing. Traumatic brain injury is just one of the possible devastating results. In fact, car accidents are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. TBI is a contributing factor to at least 30 percent of all injury fatalities. While there is not a formal cure for brain injuries, there are improvements in the way physicians detect, diagnose and treat the symptoms of brain trauma.
Traumatic brain injury: How does it happen?
People who are involved in a car accident may hit their head against the dashboard, steering wheel or side window of the car. This may cause the soft brain tissue within the skull to shift within the skull cavity. Not only does this have the potential to cause significant brain bruising and bleeding, but the force of impact may cause the skull to fracture. Each case of TBI is unique and varies depending on what area of the brain is injured, as well as the extent of the injury.
Detecting and diagnosing an injury
Up until recently, cases of mild traumatic brain injury were hard to detect and physicians relied mainly on the patient’s self-evaluation in order to form a diagnosis. Many mild cases were disregarded as minor; however, research reported in the journal Neurology showed that even mild TBI can cause substantial cognitive deficiencies. The study also found that diffusion tensor imaging can accurately find the location of mild TBI, which helps physicians customize a treatment plan. Other diagnostic scanning devices, including MRIs and CT scans help pinpoint areas of moderate to severe brain trauma.
Symptoms of brain trauma
The signs and symptoms of traumatic brain trauma can differ depending on the severity of the injury. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, mild symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and blurred vision. Moderate to severe cases of traumatic brain injury may involve sensory deficiencies, changes in mood or sleep patterns, seizures, nausea, vomiting, numbness in the extremities and increased confusion. TBI can lead to serious disabilities and even death in extreme circumstances.
Finding legal counsel
People who suffer from traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another driver may be able to get compensation for their injuries, pain, suffering, property damage and lost wages from work. A Georgia attorney may help you organize a legal case.