Unfortunately, motorcyclists are much more likely to sustain severe injuries in the event they are involved in a collision. This includes traumatic brain injuries that can significantly affect the victim. Here, we want to discuss the brain injury symptoms that motorcyclists and their family members need to be aware of. Often, the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries do not appear until hours or even days after a crash occurs.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways, according to information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These injuries usually occur as a result of a violent blow or jolt to the head, which can certainly occur in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists are considered vulnerable roadway users because they do not have the same types of protections that those inside traditional passenger vehicles have.
This is particularly true for many motorcyclists in Colorado because there is no universal motorcycle helmet law. According to data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists who wear helmets are much less likely to suffer from significant facial and head injuries when compared to non-helmeted riders.
That said, motorcyclists can sustain traumatic brain injuries regardless of whether or not they are wearing a helmet.
Motorcycle accident victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries in the event they sustain a blow or jolt to the head in an accident. Often, it is immediately evident that a head injury has occurred in a motorcycle accident. Anytime a motorcyclist loses consciousness or has an altered mental status at the scene of the incident, this is indicative of a brain injury, and medical care has to be sought immediately.
Severe brain injuries can interfere with the brain’s ability to send signals to our bodies. Some of the most obvious signs that a brain injury has occurred include the following:
We do want to point out that motorcyclists who sustain even mild concussions need to be wary of how their symptoms progress. Sometimes, what is initially thought of as a minor concussion ends up being a more serious brain injury. It is not uncommon for a person who sustains a brain injury in a motorcycle crash to feel absolutely fine right after the incident occurs. It can take a while for the brain to swell. It is also not uncommon for smaller brain bleeds to build up pressure over time beneath the skull after the incident occurs. If you or a loved one have sustained a concussion or any blow to the head in a motorcycle accident, you need to be aware of changing or worsening symptoms and seek medical care as soon as you notice any of these changes.
