The brain is an extremely delicate organ and when injured, the effects are often serious. Victims of traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, are sometimes left temporarily or permanently disabled. Or, their behavior and personality may become radically different. Here’s how a car crash affects the brain and what you should do after a motor vehicle collision.
Consciousness Is Lost
A good indication that a person involved in a car accident has suffered a brain injury is if they lose consciousness after the collision. This may be short-lived or the victim can remain unconscious for many weeks.
The Brain Starts to Swell
Although swelling is a normal reaction to injury in nearly every case, swelling of the brain after a blow to the head can quickly turn serious. When the brain swells, it presses against the hard surface of the inside of the skull. Over time, the pressure will cut off the body’s blood supply to the brain.
When this happens, parts of the brain cannot get oxygen, which results in cell death very quickly. Depending on where the injury is located on the brain, this can cause a serious impact to the cognitive and bodily functions of the individual who was hurt in the accident.
Seizures May Occur
Seizures can occur after a brain injury as the electrical impulses inside are suddenly and abnormally triggered. They can range from mild to severe and typically manifest with involuntary muscle movement, “zoning out” and not being able to snap out of it, dizziness, sudden fatigue, or a reduced sense of smell or taste.
Cerebrospinal Fluid May Build Up
After the brain has suffered a significant impact or blow, cerebrospinal fluid may not be able to properly drain. As a result, this fluid begins to build up inside the skull, putting even more pressure on the injured brain. In some cases, a procedure may need to be performed to manually drain or aspirate the fluid.
How a Chico, CA Car Accident Attorney Can Help After a Crash
It’s important that you get medical and legal help as soon as possible after you or someone you care about is involved in a car accident. Zink & Lenzi Injury Lawyers understands how challenging it can be for motor vehicle collision victims to recover, especially after suffering a serious and debiliting brain injuiry as a result of the crash. Call today to book your initial consultation to discuss your case at 530-895-1234.