People who have been involved in a serious collision with a massive tractor trailer, may suffer from a myriad of injuries. One of the most common injuries resulting from these accidents is traumatic brain damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of hospitalizations involving traumatic brain injuries.
While brain damage is often difficult to identify after being involved in a collision, it can have long-term effects that may make it hard to work and carry out daily activities.
How do brain injuries occur?
The brain sits suspended in fluid within the skull cavity. A sudden impact can cause the brain to hit against the hard bone of the skull, causing significant damage to the soft tissue. Depending on the force of the impact, the tissue may inflame, bleed or bruise as a result.
The symptoms of a brain injury may be difficult to identify, as people may mistake them as something else. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, signs of a mild to moderate brain injury include headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision and trouble remembering or concentrating. Severe injuries may result in seizures, convulsions, muscle weakness, tingling in the extremities and more persistent headaches.
What are the long-term effects?
Undiagnosed bleeding, bruising and inflammation in the brain can cause serious damage to the gray and white matter. Long-term effects include the following:
- Trouble with short and long term memory
- Difficulty concentrating, managing time, organizing and planning
- Continued muscle weakness, making it hard to perform certain tasks
- Sensory deficiencies, including trouble with eyesight, hearing and communication
- Ongoing depression and anxiety
Brain injuries can also cause changes in personality and mood. It is critical that people see a medical professional as soon as possible after being involved in a car accident to see if they have a brain injury.