by Haley Whitewood

Created on: December 01, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

There are a variety of head injuries that can take place during a motor vehicle accident. It is important that you arm yourself with the right information; it could save your life.

Brain edema (swelling)

Brain swelling (also known as cerebral edema, brain edema) due to a car accident is caused by the trauma of physical contact with an object and the quick acceleration and deceleration of the head. Too much swelling can prevent fluid from leaving the brain. Immediate hospitalization is required when brain swelling is suspected.

Brain hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage happens when blood vessels that travel between the brain and scalp stretch and rip open in an accident. Localized bleeding (hematoma) results, which can lead to the death of brain cells (and thus, possible brain damage) and brain swelling. Regardless of where and between which layers of head tissue bleeding is taking place, hospitalization and surgery are usually necessary.

Cerebral Contusion

Another type of brain injury is a cerebral contusion, which is when the brain is bruised. Patients are usually admitted for observation, although the condition mostly goes away by itself. However, cerebral contusions occasionally worsen into brain swelling.

Some head injuries look superficial, but can lead to more serious injury, possibly brain damage.

Lacerations and Bruises

These injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. A laceration by itself is most often not life-threatening barring serious blood loss, but it should be checked out by a medical professional to check for a skull fracture, which can create a pathway to intracranial bleeding.

Small bruises, or discolorations caused by small blood vessels under the skin rupturing, are also usually not reason for concern. However, if bruising is severe or accompanied by pain and swelling, a skull fracture may have taken place and hospitalization is required to prevent brain edema and damage.

Skull and Facial Fractures

There are several types of fractures to the skull and facial bones that can happen during a motor vehicle accident; all should be checked out by a medical professional to look for and prevent possible brain damage.

Linear skull fractures, particularly common in children, are not treated as serious injuries unless brain damage is suspected.

Blunt force trauma, such as that caused by a steering wheel or the frame of a car, can lead to a depressed skull fracture. Depending on the depth of the depression of the fracture, surgery may be required to elevate small

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