Car accidents occur often in Florida and can leave serious injuries in their wake. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most catastrophic. It’s fair to wonder how common they are after a crash.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common injuries that a person can sustain after an accident. It can be mild or severe and develop when the individual experiences a blow or jolt to the head or when an object penetrates the skull. Although there are varying ranges of severity of these injuries, even one that’s dubbed “mild” such as a concussion can be serious and significantly impact a person’s life.
How common are TBIs after a car accident?
TBIs commonly occur when a person experiences a fall and hits their head or after a bad car accident. When they occur during the latter, it’s common for the victim’s head to experience a suddenly jolting that results in impact when they are violently whipped forward and the head hits an object. That object might be the steering wheel or the closest window in the vehicle. In the worst types of motor vehicle accidents, a person could suffer a TBI when an object goes through a window and penetrates their skull.
Depending on the angle at which the impact from a car accident occurs, a TBI can affect a specific area of the brain while leaving other areas unaffected.
How can a TBI affect you?
Depending on the severity of the injury, you might experience major cognitive symptoms such as difficulty processing information or communicating. However, even with a mild injury, you might have headaches, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems. Children affected by TBIs can experience developmental issues.
Car accidents are unpredictable. Even if you don’t suspect you’ve suffered a TBI, it’s always wise to seek medical attention after a crash.