Car accidents can result in numerous injuries, ranging from mild to severe. When we think of car accident injuries, we often imagine ones that are visible, or easy to identify, such as bruises, lacerations, or broken bones. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a car accident victim to suffer internal bleeding, such as a brain bleed, after an accident.
All too often, a brain bleed after an accident will go unnoticed. And when left untreated, brain bleeds can lead to serious medical complications and even death. The signs and symptoms of a brain bleed after an accident are wide-ranging, and not always easily identifiable. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a brain bleed after an accident.
What Is a Brain Bleed?
Most people assume that a “brain bleed” means any bleeding inside your head. But there are actually several types of brain bleeds that can occur.
Known in the medical field as “intracranial hemorrhage”, a brain bleed can occur in two main areas – either within the skull but outside the brain tissue, or inside the brain tissue itself. But no matter where a brain bleed occurs, whether it is inside the brain tissue or in the skull, it can cause very serious complications, including brain damage and death.
What Causes a Brain Bleed After an Accident?
If the trauma of a car accident causes a victim’s cerebrum to whip backwards and forwards, it can violently strike the front and back of the skull as it is whipped back and forth. This trashing can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, allowing blood to collect between the brain and the skull.
Because this bleeding may increase slowly, symptoms of a brain bleed after an accident may not present themselves for hours, or even days after the accident. A victim may appear completely “normal”, all while a slow brain bleed is gradually increasing pressure on the brain. This can cause a delay in medical care, which can have tragic consequences for the victim. If this is the case of your injury, having a car accident brain injury lawyer on your side can help you recover the cost your medical bills.
Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Bleed
While many traumatic brain injuries cause immediate brain trauma and swelling, many brain bleeds will initially seem mild. This can indicate a slow bleed that gradually increases pressure over time. If a victim goes home and their symptoms suddenly worsen, they may be having a traumatic stroke.
Brain bleeds after an accident often cause head pain, but not always. Other signs to watch out for in the hours and days after an accident include:
- Altered mental states
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Coma
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Loss of vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty moving or loss of movement
- Loss of feeling in any part of the body
- Mood or personality changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to bright light)
- Seizure
What Happens if a Brain Bleed Is Left Untreated?
Time is of the essence when there is a brain bleed after an accident. The sooner a victim is able to get diagnostic tests and medical treatment, the better their chances of preventing serious injury or death.
Left undiagnosed, a brain bleed can be fatal, or cause lifelong disabilities for the victim. Remember, even a minor car accident can result in a brain bleed, which is why it is crucial that you have a medical professional examine you following an accident.
What To Do if You Suspect a Brain Bleed After an Accident
A brain bleed is a medical emergency, so you should immediately call 911 to receive medical attention if you start showing symptoms of one, regardless of how long it has been since your accident occurred.
After receiving treatment, your very next phone call should be to a skilled car accident lawyer who can work with you to hold those responsible for your accident accountable.
The experts at Thistle Law can do just that. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients who have suffered from a brain bleed after an accident. Call the attorneys at Thistle Law today by dialing 215-568-6800, or fill out our contact form here.