Car accidents are a major source of blunt-force head trauma, whether someone hits their head on the dashboard or their brain is simply jolted around inside their skull through the force of the crash.
That kind of trauma can easily result in a “brain bleed” that can quickly turn life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of trouble in yourself or others so that you can seek prompt medical attention.
What is a brain bleed?
A “brain bleed” is just a simple way of describing an intracranial hemorrhage. That means that there is bleeding somewhere inside the skull. Brain bleeds can be within the skull but outside the actual brain (but possibly within the membranes that surround the brain) or inside the brain itself. In addition to the problem presented by the bleeding alone, the bleeding can cause swelling that further damages delicate brain tissue – which is why it’s so critical to get treatment quickly.
After a wreck, everybody who was in the vehicle should be watched for the following symptoms of brain bleeds:
- Severe headache: A persistent and intense headache that may worsen over time.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting without an apparent cause.
- Dizziness or loss of balance: Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.
- Vision changes: Blurred or double vision may occur.
- Altered mental status: Confusion, disorientation or changes in behavior.
- Loss of consciousness: Brief or prolonged loss of consciousness.
- Seizures: Uncontrolled movements or convulsions.
- Neurological Problems: Weakness, numbness, paralysis or difficulty talking or thinking.
- Unequal pupils: One pupil is visibly larger than the other, or “blown.”
Anybody who starts to experience any of these problems after a wreck should head to an emergency room, rather than delay their care until they can see their family doctor. Early diagnosis and intervention can vastly improve the outcomes of brain bleeds.
When a brain bleed is caused by a car accident, victims of another driver’s negligence may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries and other losses. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you learn more.