In a car accident, people can end up suffering many injuries to different parts of the body. One of the most essential and vulnerable areas that can be hit during a crash is the head.

When the head hits an object or vice versa, what is medically known as a “concussion,” or traumatic brain injury, occurs. At the moment of the blow, the brain tissue within the head shakes. As a result, some people may lose consciousness, although this does not always happen.

Like any soft tissue in the body after a blow, brain tissue can be painful, bruised, bleeding, and swollen.

We have heard of these types of cases in athletes who do boxing and play football, as they often receive blows to the head. However, it is important to note that it does not take multiple impacts to get a concussion. A single blow that occurs during an accident or fall can very well cause such an injury.

In addition to a possible loss of consciousness, headaches, problems with balance, loss of memory, coordination, and changes in behavior can also occur. These symptoms tend to be temporary and can go away in a couple of days. However, if the symptoms persist, we could be talking about a more severe brain injury that can leave permanent damage to our brain if not treated in a timely manner.

If you are ever injured in an accident where your head was hit hard by either the steering wheel, the airbag, the dash, or some other object, it is crucial to request a CT scan at the emergency room. That way, doctors will be able to check in greater detail for the presence of bleeding, some other type of tear, or the degree of swelling. And according to this information, they will allow you to return home or decide to keep you in the hospital for better observation and treatment.

Some other symptoms that can occur when the discomfort continues include nausea, vomiting, general malaise, confusion, and even depression. If this is your case or the case of a loved one, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remember that injuries do not necessarily appear right after the accident. Sometimes they can take days, weeks, and even months to appear. For those with severe injuries, speaking with an experienced California car accident lawyer to review your options is advised.

Related Reading:

Types of brain injuries after an auto accident.