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A concussion isn’t the only brain injury you can sustain in a car crash

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2024 | Car Accidents |

Car crashes are unfortunate incidents that can lead to severe consequences, often particularly when it comes to brain injuries. Understanding these injuries is crucial for both victims and those seeking information about the potential consequences of such accidents.

Concussions are one of the most prevalent and serious consequences of car crashes. However, these aren’t the only brain injuries that occur when people are hurt as a result of a car crash. Exploring other forms of brain injury can help you to better understand their severity and associated long-term cognitive impairments.

Penetrating brain injuries

Penetrating brain injuries occur when foreign objects, such as shattered glass or debris from the car, penetrate the skull and damage brain tissue. These injuries are often severe and require emergency medical care to mitigate potential life-threatening consequences.

Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs)

Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) are characterized by the tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain. Car crashes with high-speed impacts or sudden deceleration can cause DAIs. The severity of the injury depends on the severity of the crash, with symptoms ranging from mild cognitive impairment to a vegetative state.

Coup-contrecoup injuries

Coup-contrecoup injuries involve damage to the brain on both the impact side and the opposite side due to the brain being pushed back and forth within the skull during a car crash. These injuries can lead to extensive trauma, affecting multiple areas of the brain simultaneously.

Understanding the various types of brain injuries that can result from a car crash is crucial for promoting awareness and inspiring prompt medical attention. Whether it’s a concussion or a severe diffuse axonal injury, the consequences can be life-altering. That’s why victims of car crashes shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention and, if their harm was caused by another’s actions or inactions, compensation for their brain injuries.

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