Even if you don’t play football or train in gymnastics, you’re still at risk of experiencing a brain injury. One of the most common causes of this ailment is car accidents. If you or a loved one has an injury due to a crash, you’ll want to know about this personal injury situation. Here are the common types of cerebral damage, how they are tested, and some popular misconceptions.

A Brief Guide to Brain Injuries From an Auto Accident

Common Brain Injuries

One of the most common injuries dealt with by drivers and passengers is a concussion; this is when the brain hits the inside wall of the skull. It can lead to ringing in the ears or even slurred speech, personality changes, and amnesia.

A contusion, or a brain bruise, is another type of injury. This is common if an item or interior car part hits your head. You may find it hard to balance, form sentences, and create new memories.

More extreme cerebral damages include penetration, which is damage on both sides of the brain due to it ricocheting off the walls of the skull.

How They Are Tested

To figure out the severity of your brain injury, your doctor will first address your symptoms. While confusion and vomiting may point to a concussion, bleeding from the ears or a coma may indicate penetration. They’ll use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to judge the way your limbs move and how well you see and speak. If your score is above 13, your injuries are mild—under eight, and the brain damage is severe. They may also consult with a speech therapist or neuropsychologist for a second opinion on your brain function.

Common Misconceptions About Brain Injuries

One of the most common myths about brain damage is that it always knocks people unconscious. This isn’t always the case—it’s only commonplace when the passenger hits their head on an object.

This plays into another common misconception, which is that brain damage only occurs if you hit your head on an object. Since your brain is so close to your skull, the damage may be caused by rapid vibrations or the jolting of your vehicle; the gray matter may hit the bone enclosure. If your brain hits your skull hard enough, it may bruise or even result in internal bleeding.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a personal injury, get in touch with Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St. Louis, MO. They have over 75 years of combined experience, and they’re proud to help clients in O’Fallon and Wentzville, as well as the surrounding areas. In addition to personal injury law, they also deal with family law and DUIs. To learn more about their expertise, visit the website or call (636) 561-5599.