When involved in a car accident, head injuries associated with car accidents are a common concern to address. Here is a look at some of the types of head injuries that might occur.
Concussion
A concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head, violent shaking of the head or force from an injury such as whiplash. The most common type of traumatic brain injury, a concussion can result from both closed and open head injuries. It can take a few months or even a few years for a concussion to heal.
Contusion
A contusion, which can be the result of a direct impact to the head, is a bruise or bleeding on the brain. Large contusions may need to be removed surgically.
Coup-Contrecoup
A coup-contrecoup injury is a type of contusion that is located at both the site of the impact and on the opposite side of the brain. It occurs when the force impacting the head is strong enough to move the brain and cause it to slam into the opposite side of the skull.
Diffuse Axonal
A diffuse axonal injury is caused by rotational forces or a strong rotation of the head. It occurs when the unmoving brain lags behind the movement of the skull, thereby resulting in torn brain structures. This can also cause brain chemicals to be released, resulting in additional injury. The resulting disturbance can result in temporary or permanent brain damage, coma and even death.
Of course, there are other types of brain injury that may occur as the result of a car accident as well. To learn more about head trauma and how it can be treated after a car accident, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today.