Dangers of a Concussion

Being in a car accident, being physically hit, or a slip-and-fall incident may cause a concussion. Back in the day, we called this “getting your bell rung,” but advanced technology in brain scans has shown that the effect of a concussion can be much worse. A concussion, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by the abrupt acceleration of the head, followed by an immediate deceleration of the brain hitting the inside of your skull. In some instances, the brain is hit by the ‘opposite’ side of the skull. This type of injury is called a contrecoup injury, in which the injury to the brain is on the opposite side of where the impact occurred.

In most concussions, the brain hits a single side of the skull, either on the side of the impact or on the opposite side. However, in more aggressive and impactful situations, a coup contre coup injury is sustained. This type of brain injury is when the brain “bounces” off one side of the skull and hits the other. This is a very dangerous TBI and could have potentially long-lasting effects. This particular TBI trauma causes chemical and physical changes in the brain to varying degrees.

If you are in a car accident and you get hit from behind, the physics involved will increase the chances of a coup contrecoup brain injury. After the impact, your head is thrown forward so quickly that your brain initially hits the back of your skull. Your seatbelt will lock and prevent you from flying forward, which will put “brakes” on your moving head. The brain is then sent forward from the jarring of the skull and is then slammed into the front part of your skull. This means that in a single accident, your brain could potentially suffer an injury in the front and back sections, known as the frontal and occipital lobes of the brain.

Some symptoms of a concussion show up immediately, and some may show up over time, however, all concussions are serious despite the severity of symptoms. It is important to note, that if a concussion is suspected, medical attention should be sought. If undiagnosed and untreated, concussions could lead to potentially worse symptoms or conditions.

Second Impact Syndrome

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a condition in which a patient suffers a second concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) before fully recovering from the first. This could lead to potentially fatal results or paralysis. SIS is uncommon, but only if the first impact has been properly diagnosed and treated. If the first concussion is not treated, and the victim continues daily life as normal, someone could suffer from a second concussion from an accident or from playing sports. SIS is then more likely to occur and could potentially be devastating.

CTE

CTE or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a condition in which a specific protein in the brain begins to harden parts of the brain. CTE can lead to long-term effects on the brain. Many people believe that CTE happens after suffering from many concussions, but it has been seen that a single concussion could potentially cause CTE symptoms later in life. Some reasons for CTE are unknown, and studies around CTE are currently being conducted. However, many researchers are finding the detrimental effects of CTE on quality of life, neuro processes, decision-making, mood disorders, and motor control.

Brain injuries, concussions, and the like are not to be taken lightly. If you or someone you know has been affected by a brain injury, consult one of our attorneys today.