Head injuries can occur in all types of Bucks County auto accidents, from the most minor to the most severe. And head injuries are relatively common, because your head is quite vulnerable in the event of a collision, cautions Bucks County personal injury lawyer Michael L. Saile, Jr.
For example, your head may:
- Hit the steering wheel;
- Hit the inside of the driver’s side door or window; or
- Hit the ceiling of the car.
A concussion often results from this type of blunt trauma.
What is a Concussion?
Concussion is a closed head injury, meaning you commonly show no outward physical signs of injury. You may be left with a bruise or a bump on the head, but usually the damage of a concussion remains internal. For this reason, it can be difficult to diagnose. A concussion is a brain injury, but it can range from mild to critical on a scale of severity. If, during an accident, the head violently smacks against some part of the car, a concussion can develop.
Be Aware of Concussion’s Warning Signs
Symptoms of a concussion after a New Jersey or Pennsylvania auto accident include:
- loss of consciousness,
- nausea or vomiting,
- confusion,
- dizziness,
- ringing in the ears,
- headache,
- change in your sleep pattern, and
- short term memory loss.
Loss of consciousness, even for a brief time, after head trauma is not uncommon, but you will likely not experience this with a minor concussion. if you do suffer a loss of consciousness, a CT scan or MRI of the brain will probably be performed on you in the ER to test for serious injury. These medical tests are very important tools in assessing the degree of your head trauma, so a going to the ER following an accident is always a good idea. A serious concussion can result in prolonged loss of consciousness. Therefore, it is important to go to the hospital if you have any of the above-listed symptoms following a Bucks County auto accident.
Care for Your Concussion
At the hospital, a doctor will most likely prescribe several days of rest, lots of fluids, and pain medication, depending on the severity of your concussion. It is important to follow-up on your hospital visit with an examination, a few days later, by your family doctor. Your doctor can assess your condition to make sure your head injuries are healing. Your doctor may also recommend seeing a specialist for a brain injury, such as a neurologist.
Answers to your Questions
A severe concussion or other brain injury can dramatically effect your life and diminsh your cognitive abilities. If you find yourself in this situation following an auto accident and have questions about your legal options, contact the Bucks County personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC for helpful information and guidance. Schedule a FREE consultation for personalized answers to your questions, and instantly download a FREE copy of our PA Car Accident Book for even more accident and medical information.
