With the exception of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries are arguably the worst common injury that people suffer in car crashes. Damage to the brain can cause symptoms ranging from vertigo and memory loss to sensory issues and changes in someone’s personality. Sometimes, these symptoms are permanent. Other times, they resolve as the body heals.
When people hurt their brains in car crashes, they may need to change professions or undergo extensive medical treatment. It’s important to understand how car crash brain injuries occur so that you can evaluate yourself and your passengers for them. How do motor vehicle collisions cause brain injuries?
Through blunt force trauma
Car crashes are a leading cause of fatal brain injuries, often as the result of blunt force trauma. Someone hits their head on the steering wheel or a window, and their brain swells or bleeds as a result.
Through penetrating injuries
When windows break or pieces of items hit by a vehicle go flying, a person in or near a motor vehicle collision could suffer penetrating injuries. If sharp objects cut into the head and skull, they can cause traumatic injuries to the brain tissue.
Through violent motions
Vehicles involved in car crashes may roll over, spin or shake violently. It can result in the brain smashing against the skull, causing severe damage. Even if you never hit your head on something, you could still have a brain injury.
Understanding what causes brain injuries in car crashes will help you know when you need medical evaluation after a wreck.
