Even though your brain is encased in a bony skull, the brain can still sustain damage even when your skull is not fractured. As such, if you are unlucky enough to get into a car accident on one of Indiana’s many streets or highways, there is a good chance that you will sustain an injury to it. Learn more about the Indiana accident blog.
Common Head and Brain Injuries Sustained in Indiana Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of different head and brain injuries. Some are fairly minor, while others can cause severe, life-long health issues.
A short sampling of some of the most common head and brain injuries sustained in Indiana motor vehicle crashes would include:
Concussions
If your collision causes your head to jolt forward or come into contact with a flying object, you may suffer a concussion. This type of injury occurs when your brain collides with the inside of your skull.
Concussions are generally treated by giving the brain plenty of time to rest and heal. However, this recovery process can sometimes take months or even years.
Contusions
In simple terms, a contusion is a bruise (or bleeding) on your brain. You may sustain one of these injuries if you suffer a heavy blow to the head during your accident.
In many cases, the bleeding caused by the impact will stop on its own and you will begin to recover. If it does not stop, however, you will most likely need to undergo surgery to address the issue.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
The neurons (or nerve cells) in your brain are connected by axons. If your crash causes your brain to shift around your skull violently, you may sustain a diffuse axonal injury, causing your axons to tear.
Should you sustain a severe version of this injury, there is a good chance that you will end up in a coma. However, if your injury is mild, you may be able to recover some of your cognitive abilities and motor skills through speech, physical, and occupational therapy. This recovery process is likely to take years.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhages
The area between your brain and your skull should be filled with cerebrospinal fluid. However, if your accident causes tears to your arteries, this space will begin filling up with blood, putting a great deal of pressure on your brain in the process. Injuries of this nature are known as subarachnoid hemorrhages.
If you suffer a subarachnoid hemorrhage, you will need to have surgery within 24-36 hours to relieve the pressure on your brain. You may then need to undergo months or years of rehabilitative treatment to regain normal brain function.
Skull Fractures
Your skull, just like every other bone in your body, can be fractured when it collides with a solid object. In a car accident, that solid object is likely to be your dashboard or steering wheel.
If your fracture is fairly small, it will heal itself over time. You may just need to take some ibuprofen to relieve the pain. However, if your fracture is more severe, you might need to undergo surgery.
Symptoms of Head and Brain Injuries
Because many heads and brain injuries are internal, it is not always easy to tell when you have sustained one. However, if you have recently been involved in a motor vehicle accident/Indiana accident and are now experiencing any of the following symptoms, you would be wise to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
Your doctor should be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will help you recover or prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Have You Injured Your Head or Brain in an Indiana Accident? Contact Doehrman Buba Today
If you have injured your head or brain in a car or truck accident, there is only one law firm you need to turn to – Doehrman Buba. We have been helping the people of Indiana fight for the compensation they deserve for years – and we would love to do the same for you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and get started with your personal injury case.