Brain trauma often happens in car accidents when a victim ends up hitting either the car, something inside of it, or even the window.
These injuries can vary from mild to severe. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) almost always fall on the severe end of the spectrum. But what are they, and how do they happen?
Where do these head injuries stem from?
Medline Plus discusses how brain injuries happen in the first place. Head trauma occurs when the head bangs into something, or something bangs into the head. This can cause the brain to hit the interior of the skull, which can result in swelling or bruising on the brain itself.
In a car crash, a person is most likely to hit their head on the steering wheel or dashboard in the event of a rear-end collision. If they get side-swiped or T-boned, they may end up hitting their head against the side window or door. It is even possible for passengers or the driver to end up colliding. Unless the victim is not wearing a seatbelt properly, they should not have to worry about hitting or going through the windshield.
The impact of TBIs
These types of injuries can result in numerous psychological, emotional and physical impacts. For example, if the front of the brain ends up hit and injured, a person could have a lessened amount of control over their temper and impulse. This is because those centers for control are located in the front of the brain.
Many effects of these brain injuries last for weeks or months. Some last much shorter, while others can last years or even a lifetime. This is why quick medical attention is a necessity.