A serious car accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which in turn can cause a secondary brain injury. While most people know about primary brain injuries, most don’t know about secondary brain injuries, how they can be just as dangerous as the primary or initial TBI, or how they are often caused by car accidents.
What is a Secondary Brain Injury?
Secondary brain injuries occur as a result of the initial trauma to the brain, which is known as a primary brain injury. Technically speaking, a secondary brain injury is a series of cellular, chemical, tissue, or blood vessel changes that occur in the brain after a primary brain injury. These changes can cause additional damage to the brain and can develop over hours to days. While primary injuries happen in the moment of an accident or impact, secondary brain injuries can develop over time, which makes them much more difficult to notice and treat. If the primary brain injury is not outwardly severe, it becomes even more difficult to diagnose a secondary brain injury.
Common examples of secondary brain injuries include:
- Internal bleeding or hemorrhaging, which could be fatal
- Increased intracranial pressure, which may disrupt blood flow
- Reduced oxygen levels in the blood that reaches the brain
- Damage to the blood-brain barrier, which can cause swelling, inflammation, and other complications
- Damage or changes to neurotransmitters, which may cause unsafe biochemical changes
How Car Accidents Can Cause Secondary Brain Injuries
Car accidents can lead to brain injuries if a motorist is thrown or rocked violently in the collision. For example, a person might hit their head on the dashboard, or the sudden stopping motion can cause the brain to move within the skull. Impacts to the head can damage brain tissues and blood vessels, potentially leading to secondary brain injuries.
Warning signs that someone has suffered a secondary brain injury in a car accident include:
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior
- Insomnia
- Balance issues
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- Sensory loss or changes
Keep in mind that secondary brain injury symptoms do not always manifest right away. In many cases, hours or days can pass before the first signs of a secondary brain injury become noticeable.
Types of Treatments Available for Secondary Brain Injuries
Due to the subtle nature of many secondary brain injuries, anyone who has been in a car accident should get a medical evaluation shortly after, even if they feel fine. Catching the symptoms of a secondary brain injury early may make it easier for medical professionals to diagnose the injury and determine the right course of treatment.
Treating secondary brain injuries often involves a combination of approaches, including:
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe drugs to reduce swelling or prevent seizures.
- Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can help a secondary brain injury patient regain lost functions and adapt to any changes in abilities.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain or repair damaged areas.
Get Legal Counsel from the Attorneys That Locals Trust
If you live in Athens, Atlanta, or Darien Georgia, or anywhere in the State of Georgia, you can count on The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC for legal counsel with the experience and resources required to handle complex and high-stakes car accident claims. Not only are we talented car accident attorneys, but we are also well-versed in catastrophic injury claims involving traumatic brain injuries. If you have been diagnosed with a secondary brain injury after being in a crash, you should make us your first choice for legal representation.
Want a free case evaluation? Start by calling (706) 760-9220 to find the The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC law office nearest you.