Unfortunately, in serious accidents, one of the most common injuries is a traumatic brain injury.
There are many different types of traumatic brain injury, including concussions, hematomas, and anoxia.
During a concussion, the blunt force of the head striking something in the vehicle causes the brain to swell against the sides of the skull. The pressure alone can cause serious damage, and those suffering from a concussion often also temporarily lose consciousness.
Hematomas are caused when the major blood vessel in the brain is damaged. Heavy bleeding on or around the brain can occur. There are three types of hematomas: the epidural hematoma, the subdural hematoma, and the intracerebral hematoma. When bleeding occurs between the brain and the dura, or the space between the brain and the skull, a victim experiences an epidural hematoma. A subdural hematoma occurs when the blood forms between the arachnoid membrane (membrane surrounding the brain) and the dura. An intracerebral hematoma is bleeding on the brain itself.
Anoxia occurs when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain or another organ's tissues. This can happen even if there is blood flow to the brain. If the blood supplying the brain is not oxygen-rich, brain damage starts to occur.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides information on a wide range of issues dealing with the brain, and they stress the importance of treating any type of head injury with the utmost care. In order to give the patient the best chance at making it through the injury, the Institute urges that treatment must be immediate. Even if the patient is conscious and talking, take them to the emergency room at once or call an ambulance.
Stabilization is absolutely necessary in order to prevent further injury. Never move the victim. Instead wait for the paramedics to arrive. From there, it is up to the doctors to ensure that there is oxygen flow to the brain and blood flow to the rest of the body. Blood pressure should be watched very closely, and further tests should be performed to check for the extensive damage that can't be seen with the naked eye.
Don't take a car accident injury lightly. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Southern California, you need information. Contact the experienced Southern California car accident injury lawyers at 800.989.6385 or by filling out our online form.
