Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most serious medical issues associated with motor vehicle collisions. Obviously, people who hit their heads during a crash could sustain injuries that affect them for years to come.
However, blunt force trauma isn’t the only way that an individual might sustain a significant TBI. Car crashes often involve very aggressive, violent vehicle motions. In some cases, the violent motion of vehicles can be enough to cause a brain injury all on its own.
The skull can hurt the human brain
The main function of the skull bone is to protect the brain from traumatic injury. It is a very thick, dense bone. The structure of the skull does help protect the brain from blunt force trauma and penetrating injuries. Unfortunately, the very feature that makes the skull effective at protecting the human brain can also be the reason that people develop significant brain injuries. Looking at a childhood injury can provide a bit more insight into this process.
Shaken baby syndrome can occur in cases where parents and other caregivers become frustrated with an infant. People sometimes take out their frustration on a newborn who won’t stop crying by aggressively shaking the baby. When that happens, the brain moves back and forth rapidly inside the skull. The skull itself causes damage to the brain by limiting its ability to move. Its strength and rigid structure then create a risk for worsening symptoms when the brain swells or bleeds in response to that initial trial.
The accumulating blood or swollen tissue has nowhere to go. The result is a dangerous feedback loop in which the bleeding and pressure may only serve to worsen the damage to the brain. People often need to undergo emergency surgery after incurring a TBI in a car crash scenario. Doctors need to provide ways for the body to alleviate pressure on the brain until the inflammation or bleeding resolves.
People don’t have to hit their heads during a car crash to sustain a potentially life-altering TBI. If a vehicle flips, rolls over or moves violently, they could suffer injuries due to the way the crash moves their bodies. Filing a lawsuit after acquiring a traumatic brain injury may be necessary, as car insurance coverage may not be enough to cover treatment costs or lost wages. People who understand the various risk factors for crash-related brain injuries may have an easier time responding appropriately after a crash in order to hold the right party accountable for causing harm.