by Gail Bertram

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 23, 2009

Injuries to the brain, head or neck are commonplace in motor vehicle accidents, ranging from minor trauma that heals in a matter of days to serious damage which can cause life-long suffering, disability or, in more extreme cases, death. The more high-speed and direct the collision, the greater the chances are of the driver and passengers incurring serious injures.

Closed Head Trauma

A closed head trauma occurs when the head strikes the interior of the vehicle. In these cases, no objects have penetrated the skull and lodged in the brain, but something has hit the skull or face with considerable force.

The brain is suspended in fluid and tissue within the skull, and when an individual receives a closed head trauma, the force is dispersed around the brain to minimize any damage. However, a coup and counter croup injury may occur, where the brain is injured by the initial blow and then rebounds off the inside of the skull, causing a secondary region of damage.

Concussion, Cerebral Edema and Intracranial Hemorrhaging

A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, and is diagnosed based on behavioral changes such as loss of memory rather than physical damage to the brain. In most cases a the effects of a concussion will disappear over a matter of days, and the affected individual will make a full recovery.

Cerebral edema is when the brain swells within the cranial cavity, potentially causing further damage to itself as it presses against the skull. This can occur either as a result of the initial blow, or because the brain has been deprived of blood or oxygen. It is essential that anyone diagnosed with cerebral edema is closely monitored in case of complications.

As well as any superficial bleeding, bruising or lacerations on the scalp or face, there may be damage to the internal blood system that supplies the brain. This is called an intracranial hemorrhage. Often the bleeding is minor and the victim is kept under observation, but major bleeds may require surgery.

A subdural hematoma occurs when there is bleeding between the brain and the fibrous tissue that separates it from the skull. An epidural hematoma is when there is bleeding between the fibrous tissue surrounding the brain and the skull bone. This occurs typically when a blow is received to the temple, and is caused by damage to the arteries that supply the brain with blood.

Any form of intracranial hemorrhage may result in loss of consciousness. This may last a few moments or result in a comatose

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>