Car accidents are a major cause of injuries all over the world, and brain injuries are some of the most serious results. The force from car crashes can lead to different types of brain injuries, which can greatly affect someone’s health and way of life. How do these injuries occur?
1. Direct impact with the vehicle
One common way to get a brain injury in a car accident is by hitting the inside of the car. Cars are small spaces, and a variety of surfaces are close to drivers and passengers. When a car suddenly stops or hits something, the people inside might be thrown against parts of the car like the dashboard, steering wheel or windows. This kind of hit can cause bruises or tears on the brain, which are both serious injuries.
2. Flying debris
Many people have purses, work bags, computers, mugs and many other objects with them in their vehicle. These objects – or pieces of the car broken off by the impact – can fly around during a crash. If these objects hit someone’s head, they can cause injuries like cuts, bruises or more serious brain injuries, depending on how fast and heavy the object is.
3. Penetrating injuries
In more extreme cases, objects can break through the skull and go into the brain. These penetrating injuries are very serious, with some studies estimating that between 70 and 90 percent of injured people passing away before they reach a hospital. If the injured person does survive, their open wounds also create a risk of other health issues like infections.
4. Sudden motion or stopping
Even if nothing hits the head directly, a car accident can still cause a brain injury through sudden movements like whiplash. This quick, jerky motion can make the brain move inside the skull and hit the bone. These impacts can lead to bruising, swelling that puts the brain under pressure and other challenges.
Unfortunately, the lack of direct impact also means that people might not be aware of their injuries, especially if the injured person has other, more obvious injuries. This may mean that they do not realize the extent of their injuries until days or weeks after the crash.
Each type of brain injury can have severe and lasting effects on an individual’s life after a car accident. By understanding the risk of brain injuries and the different ways that an accident can harm a brain, people can identify the full extent of their injuries and protect their health.