• 24
  • October
    2011

Individuals sustain a wide range of injuries when they are in an auto accident. However, sometimes the worst injuries are those that can't be seen.

Many accident victims suffer severe head injuries, even if they haven't hit their head on anything inside the vehicle. Many victims experience what's known as "deceleration injuries" or injuries that occur when a change in momentum causes the brain to move around inside the skull.

For example, when a vehicle traveling at 30 mph is hit head-on by another vehicle, both vehicles stop immediately. However, simple physics dictate that the drivers and passengers will not. As a result, they fly forward and rebound backward causing their soft brain tissue to slam against the hard bones of their skull.

Three Main Types of Brain Injuries

Bruising, tearing and swelling are the three main types of brain injuries that typically occur as a result of an auto collision.

Bruising in the brain is similar to bruising anywhere else on the body. The brain contains many delicate blood vessels and when it strikes the skull bone, the blood vessels tear triggering the brain to bleed and bruise. Since the skull can't expand, the blood pushes down on the brain and certain parts of the brain stop working. In severe cases, the pressure can cause those areas of the brain to die.

The brain has a consistency only slightly firmer than Jell-O, so its tissue can easily tear when caused to rapidly move back and forth. Tearing can sever the vital connections that make the brain work.

Finally, a deceleration injury can cause the brain to swell. Much like a bruising injury, the skull cannot expand to accommodate the swollen brain. The skull will exert pressure on the brain that can cause vital functions like breathing and heart rate to stop.

Unlike external injuries that bleed or bruise, brain injuries aren't always apparent right after a car accident-and this can be dangerous. Some people seem fine for a while, but then they will suddenly lapse into a coma. And, if too much time passes, possibly even die. The good news is that many brain injuries are treatable if detected early. Unfortunately, some Albany car accident attorneys say, in some cases, permanent damages results.

Individuals who suffer brain injuries as a result of auto accidents are advised to contact an auto accident attorney.

Source: http://www.tbiguide.com/howbrainhurt.html