People can sustain all kinds of injuries in a car crash. They might get hit by flying debris and start bleeding. They might break bones when they brace for impact. They can also potentially sustain life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
There are many ways for a motor vehicle collision to cause a TBI. Even those who do not hit their heads could be at risk. Violent vehicle movements, flying debris and other factors can lead to brain injuries. People need to know the warning signs and seek appropriate medical support if they are at risk. A loss of consciousness during or immediately after a collision is a potential indicator of a TBI.
People don’t pass out spontaneously
A loss of consciousness is typically an indicator of a major injury. While people may feel fine once they regain consciousness, their blackout is a warning sign that they may have sustained significant injuries during the crash.
Typically, healthy individuals do not suddenly lose consciousness without a specific reason. Often, the underlying reason is trauma to the brain. Someone who passes out for even a second or two may have bleeding or inflammation inside their skull. Especially if they have secondary symptoms after waking up, including overwhelming dizziness, a sense of nausea or a persistent, low-grade headache, they may have sustained a TBI.
If they do not see a doctor promptly, their symptoms might worsen. While health care professionals cannot reverse TBI symptoms, they can treat injured people to prevent their injuries from worsening. Surgery, medication and even occupational therapy can reduce the long-term impact of a crash-related TBI.
Getting a diagnosis quickly after a crash also helps protect an individual’s right to seek compensation later. Diagnostic delays can lead to questions about the true underlying cause of an injury. People who can connect their injuries to a recent crash can seek compensation through insurance or a lawsuit.
Recognizing that fainting or blacking out during a crash could be an indicator of a traumatic brain injury could help people protect themselves and their loved ones. Those who can identify potentially serious injuries can seek out the medical care they need. Doing so quickly can improve their long-term prognosis and protect their right to seek the financial compensation they require.