Identifying Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries: Whiplash
One of the most common myths associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries is that they are only caused by a sudden of severe accident to the skull. We see this type of TBI often with professional sports athletes, such as in the NFL. It is quickly recognized and diagnosed due to the obvious trauma to the head. However, this is not the only type of Traumatic Brain Injury.
Whiplash and TBI
Whiplash, an injury commonly associated with car accidents, is another type of TBI. Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine column due to a quick over-extension of the muscles in the next and upper back. When it occurs, the brain can experience a “coup contrecoup” injury. This type of injury is caused by a fast acceleration or deceleration of the head and brain and doesn’t require external contact to the head. When a car stops abruptly, as in a collision, the force can send the head and neck forward and can propel the person’s brain into motion. Whiplash can result in severe trauma for the brain and can lead to severe injury.
Primary and secondary damages
We more often hear about brain injuries when they’re associated with some type of external trauma. Traumatic Brain Injuries reveal themselves in Primary and Secondary damages. Primary damages occur at the time of the injury and is the result of an external trauma, such as a hit to the head following a motor vehicle collision. These types of head damages are easier to identify. However, head injuries can be less obvious as they can be internal, such as blood clots in the brain, tearing of brain tissue and/or blood vessels, or even damage to the nerve fibers in the brain.
Injuries occurring after the accident are considered Secondary damages. They can be very dangerous as they can go undetected by medical specialists until days or weeks after the accident occurred. These types of injuries can include infection, brain swelling, oxygen deprivation, death of brain tissue, and internal bleeding within the skull.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and have developed symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, headaches, confusion or memory loss, it is important that you are evaluated by a physician as soon as possible so you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If a Traumatic Brain Injury results from the negligence of another person, the TBI victim may be entitled to compensation for the injury and the resulting disability. Cantini Law|Droit has been representing clients with Traumatic Brain Injuries for over 28 years. You can also learn more about TBI by downloading our eBook or byContacting Us at 1-800-606-2529.
