Head injuries are a common result of motorcycle accidents. WebMD defines head injuries as “any damage to the skull, scalp or brain.” Injuries to the head can cause mental impairment and even permanent disability.
How to know if you are suffering from a head injury?
TYPES OF HEAD INJURIES
Head injuries vary by type and range in severity. The most common type of a head injury is a concussion. This is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) where your brain bounces against your skull. Concussions can range from mild to severe. Fractures of the skull can often cause complications if pieces of bone cut into the brain. Some other types of head injuries include contusions and intracranial hematomas. Contusions are bruises on the brain and an intracranial hematoma is bleeding under the skull. The bleeding under the skull can form a clot, these can also range in severity.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A HEAD INJURY
Some head injuries can present with symptoms right away, while others may not. For instance, a concussion may result in immediate (and temporary) unconsciousness, or it could take days for the symptoms to appear. If you suffered a TBI due to a head injury, you could feel:
• Confused
• Dizzy
• Groggy
• Nauseous
You could also have memory issues, or you may have fuzzy or double vision. If the injury you have suffered is more than a concussion, you could have clear fluid draining from your ears, nose, or mouth. Other symptoms of a serious head injury include:
• Distorted features
• Convulsions
• Changes in pupil size
• Low breathing rate
• Severe headaches
Face or skull fractures can lead to TBI. With a skull fracture, you could see facial swelling, bruising, light-headedness and more.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and suffered a head injury, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately. An injury attorney at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP can review your case and help you determine if you have a negligence claim.