Michael A. Schafer Blog

Auto Accidents

9/2/2008
Mike Schafer
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Recognizing Serious Head Injuries From Your Auto Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident you may have suffered a
close head injury. This can occur even in a minor fender bender with
little or no property damage. It is important to be aware of the
symptoms and signs of a close head injury so you can consult your doctor
immediately should these symptoms arise.

The definition of a head injury is any trauma that leads to the injury
of the scalp, skull, or brain. The range of these injuries can run from a minor bump to
serious brain injury. Head injuries can also be classified as open or
closed. A closed head injury is when your head has received a
substantial hit from striking an object. There is usually some swelling
or bruising of the brain. This type of injury can occur in just about
any auto accident. An open head injury is when you have been hit with
something that broke through the skull and went onto the brain. This is
a typical injury in a car accident when a person goes through a
windshield.

Serious head injuries can lead to brain damage that is irreversible or
prolonged.

Some of these injuries can cause

•    Changes in Personality
•    Paralysis
•    Seizures
•    Loss of sensation, hearing, vision, taste, or smell
•    Speech and language problems

As with any injury you should always have it checked out by a physician
as soon as possible. Again, as with other injuries, brain injuries may
take time to manifest. Even if there is no outward sign of head trauma,
a gash, bruise, or bump the brain may have still been injured within the
skull by banging inside the skull causing internal bleeding or bruising.

Signs suggesting a serious head injury are among others

•    Loss of consciousness or drowsiness
•    Low breathing rate
•    Convulsions
•    Fracture in the skull or face
•    Fluid draining from the nose, ears, or mouth. Not necessarily
    blood.
•    Severe headache
•    Irritability
•    Slurred speech
•    Pupil changes
•    Blurred vision
•    Headaches
•    Nausea

If any of these symptoms arise get emergency help immediately.

Although most auto accidents do not result in a closed head injury it is
important to be aware of the symptoms so you can get medical help as
soon as possible. For more information on Louisville, Kentucky attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.