Vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, and it is not uncommon for individuals to sustain life-altering brain injuries as a result of these incidents. However, not every brain injury is exactly alike. Here, we want to discuss six different types of brain injuries individuals can sustain as a result of a car accident in Colorado.
A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects of a concussion are usually temporary, but they can include headaches, issues with concentration and memory, along with balance and coordination issues. These incidents are usually caused by a bump or blow to the head, often resulting from sports injuries and vehicle accidents.
Cerebral contusions are scattered areas of bleeding that occur along the surface of the brain, and they occur when the brain strikes a ridge on the skull or a fold area of the dura matter, which is the brain’s tougher outer covering. Most individuals who sustain a brain contusion suffer some sort of loss of consciousness, and this can result in swelling of the brain.
Penetrating brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways. This can include sharp blows to the head that crack the skull, leading to the skull entering the brain area. These injuries can also occur as a result of penetration of other objects aside from the skull, including shrapnel and debris or a bullet. Penetrating brain injuries can lead to a wide range of severe symptoms for those involved, including long-term brain damage.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins say that a diffuse axonal injury is the shearing of the long connecting nerve fibers in the brain, called the axons, and this injury occurs if the brain shifts and rotates inside of the Bony skull structure. The changes that occur to the brain with a diffuse axonal injury are typically microscopic, and they are not always evident on a CT scan or MRI.
A coup-contrecoup brain injury is a type of injury that occurs in two areas of the brain. This includes the site of the trauma, typically where a person sustains an initial strike, as well as the area on the opposite side of the head from the initial impact. The second impact is a result of the brain rebounding after the initial impact and hitting the other side of the inside of the skull. This results in an injury on both sides of the brain.
An acquired brain injury refers to any injury the brain sustains caused by events after a birth rather than injuries that are considered genetic or congenital. This includes injuries caused by brain illnesses, strokes, or other types of brain injuries. Just like any other type of brain injury, an acquired brain injury can lead to significant issues for a victim, including long-term physical and cognitive disabilities. In some cases, an acquired brain injury may be permanent. Concerning car accidents, an acquired brain injury would also be referred to as a secondary brain injury that can occur without any impact to the head. This can include brain damage caused by another injury that prevents oxygen or blood from reaching the brain, thereby reducing brain function.
