Brain injuries have been in the news recently. The Natasha Richardson story of dying from a brain injury after a relatively insignficant fall on the ski slopes has brought the risk of brain injuries to the forefront. Sadly, what many people still don't understand is that a brain injury could easily occur because of a car accident resulting in whiplash.
Studies have shown that a traumatic brain injury occurs every 15 seconds in the United States with the leading causes being motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Although often minimized, a Whiplash injury seems to be particularly damaging to the brain.
During a whiplash-type car accident, the brain can be bruised when the head strikes the headrest of your vehicle. Also, the brain can be bruised even when the head is whiplashed hard enough without hitting a hard object. Severe sudden twisting or torquing of the brain, as occurs in a sudden acceleration/deceleration - whiplash -- accident, can result in signficant brain injury. Unfortunately, because this type of brain trauma causes microscopic damage, it cannot be visualized on CT or MRI scans.
After being involved in a car accident involving a whiplash injury, it is important that you look for signs of a traumatic brain injury such as:
Natasha Richardson thought she was ok after her skiing fall. Sadly, her brain wasn't. It is far better to be safe then sorry. Go to the emergency room if any of the symptoms arise. Doing so can save a life!
For more information about your rights after a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident or other personal injury matter, contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. His personal injury law firm has 5 offices throughout Tampa Bay to serve you.
| The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need legal assistance with any type of injury, please consult with Matthew Noyes or a Personal Injury Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case. |