What Is A Head Trauma From a Car Accident?

Did you know that 34 percent of traumatic deaths are due to head injuries? Many of those injuries occur in car accidents. Fortunately, not all types of head trauma are fatal, but you should still seek medical care.

Let’s go over some of the most common head injuries that occur in accidents. If you experience these or any other form of head trauma, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest medical facility.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. While multiple concussions can lead to long term damage, you will likely fully recover if you suffer a single concussion. This injury occurs when your head swiftly changes direction during the car accident, causing the brain to experience trauma.

You might lose consciousness temporarily when you experience a concussion after a car accident in Brooklyn. You can also expect symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. Personality changes and difficulty concentrating are also common symptoms of a concussion.

Diffuse Axonal

Diffuse axonal injuries can occur in high-speed accidents where the impact causes the head to rotate violently. When this happens, the brain structures tear. You can expect some significant symptoms with a diffuse axonal injury, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue.

Also, loss of consciousness is common with this injury. While this is a form of a concussion, it is much more severe and can result in a coma.

Brain Contusion

You expect to walk away with some bruises after a car accident. Most bruises aren’t serious, but a brain contusion can be. Your brain could become bruised if your head experiences direct trauma.

It could be due to a flying object or your head hitting the window or dashboard. You will likely notice some cognitive changes and might have a hard time forming new memories. Other symptoms include slurred speech, concentration problems, and tingling or numbness.

Coup-contrecoup

A coup-contrecoup head injury is basically two brain contusions instead of one. This injury generally only occurs in the most violent of car accidents, and it can lead to serious complications.

You could experience a skull fracture, seizures, and bleeding or swelling of the brain. You also might have cognitive and mood changes, experience sensitivity to light and sound, and more. If you think you have a coup-contrecoup injury, don’t wait to see if it will get better. Waiting too long could lead to serious complications.

Penetration Injuries

Penetration injuries are another type of head trauma that can occur during a car accident. This happens when an object flies through the air, encounters the head, and penetrates it.

Penetration injuries can cause blood loss, seizures, paralysis, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. If you have a penetration injury in a car accident, you should call 911. Do not attempt to go to the hospital yourself, and do not put off medical care. 

Get Head Injuries Evaluated

If you’ve experienced head trauma in an accident, seek medical attention immediately from a multi-specialty medical clinic in Brooklyn, NY. These injuries can be very serious, so get treatment right away.

Our medical staff is experienced in treating auto accident-related injuries and includes the following specialists: orthopedics, neurology, pain management, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and more. Our doctors accept no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation, medical liens, and major medical plans.

NEW: Telemedicine Appointments are now available, call (718) 769-2521 to schedule a consultation in the comfort of your home.