Half of the accident victims who die from a traumatic injury have sustained some type of head injury contributing to that death. Head injuries can range from a simple laceration to the scalp, concussion, contusion, brain bleeding, or death. Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of head injuries. In additional to motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports related injuries and assaults with guns can lead to a person suffering from a traumatic head injury. See also Brain Injury Handbook.

Scalp lacerations can result from a person striking their head on the windshield or from a penetrating injury such a stab wound. Due to the numerous blood vessels in the scalp, scalp lacerations will bleed significantly and freely. Treatment for scalp lacerations includes cleansing of the area and repair with stitches or staples. However, persons with an injury resulting in a scalp laceration should be checked frequently after the injury for possible development of a concussion or other head injury.

There are several types of skull fractures that can occur with head trauma and injury. A simple skull fracture is a fracture in the skull without any displacement of the bone. Accident victims with simple skull fractures without any signs of neurological involvement or other injuries may simply be observed for any changes in their neurological status.  There is no treatment needed for a simple skull fracture except for observation.  Skull fractures that have pieces of the skull pressed down towards the brain are referred to as depressed skull fractures.  These types of fractures may cause damage to the underlying areas of the brain such as tearing or bruising and bleeding. Dependent upon the severity and depth of the displacement, surgery may be required to remove the depressed portion, remove any blood clots and control bleeding. A basilar skull fracture occurs at the base of the skull. Accident victims who suffer from a basilar skull fracture may develop bruising around both eyes or behind the ears.  Basilar skull fractures can result in several complications such brain bleeding or tearing of the artery that lies across this area. Most peoples with basilar skull fractures are admitted into the hospital for observation, especially for any complications.

A concussion usually follows a direct blow to the head or after an acceleration/deceleration injury (being struck from behind in a vehicle could suddenly jerk the accident victim’s head forward, causing the brain to actually strike the inside portion of the skull). Following the injury there is usually a period of loss of consciousness that can vary from minutes to hours. The accident victim may also suffer from a brief period of memory loss that usually resolves on its own. Other symptoms of concussion include nausea, vomiting, headache or a skull fracture. Accident victims who have a loss of consciousness, especially greater than 2-3 minutes or a skull fracture are generally admitted to the hospital for observation. Other treatments include medications to assist with the nausea and vomiting, nonnarcotic pain medication and again, close observation.

A brain contusion can also be the result of a traumatic head injury.  A contusion is actual bruising of the brain. Symptoms of a brain contusion include a loss of consciousness that lasts greater than 6 hours, nausea or vomiting, changes in vision, confusion, difficulty with speech and walking. Treatment consists of hospital admission with medications given to assist with nausea and vomiting.

Bleeding in the brain can occur as a direct result from trauma. The area that the bleeding occurs within the brain is dependent upon the trauma and structures involved. Trauma and direct blows to the head can result in shearing and tearing of the arteries and veins, resulting in bleeding. Accident victims with bleeding within the brain present with a variety of symptoms to include loss of consciousness, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, coma, changes in their pupils. Because the brain has an inability to expand and swelling due to the surrounding skull, bleeding in the brain can cause detrimental outcomes. Dependent upon the area of bleeding, mortality can range from 50-90% and morbidity can range from 70-90%. Treatment is, again, dependent upon the area and extent of the bleeding and can range from observation, medications and emergent surgery. Unfortunately, some bleeding can occur so rapidly that there is no treatment available to save the accident victim. For further information, please read the attached Brain Injury Handbook provided by the Center for Disease Control.

Always get prompt medical attention for yourself or anyone suffering a head or brain injury. If you, a friend, or loved one wrongfully suffer from a head or brain injury, you ask why, and take immediate steps to protect your or their legal interest. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining accident victims. You can call us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients. See also Brain Injury Handbook.