Blunt Force Head Trauma — Cause and Effect
Head injuries usually result from two types of trauma. Penetrating head trauma produces an open wound as an object pierces the head. Blunt force head trauma occurs when an object strikes the head without lacerating it.
Blunt force head trauma can cause many of the symptoms people experience after an accident. For example, a bump to the head often explains the headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and nausea that accident victims experience.
Blunt Force Head Trauma Causes
As the name suggests, blunt force trauma results from a blow to the head from a blunt object.
One of the most common causes of blunt force head injuries, particularly in children and seniors, is falls. The type of falling accident can determine the type of head trauma the victim experiences.
Slip and fall accidents typically cause victims to fall backward as their feet slide out from under them. As a result, they hit the back of their head on the cranium portion of the skull. The cranium surrounds and protects the brain.
Trip and fall accidents, by contrast, typically cause victims to fall forward as they lose their footing. Because they fall forward, they are more likely to strike the front of their head, producing facial injuries.
Car accidents are another common cause of blunt force head trauma. Vehicle occupants can hit their heads on the headrest, dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag.
Effects of Blunt Force Head Injuries
Blunt force head trauma can cause injuries with wide-ranging effects. Some common blunt force injuries include the following:
Bruises
A blunt impact to the head can burst blood vessels under the skin, producing a bruise. The skin will discolor and swell. The underlying muscle and connective tissues can also incur damage from the blow.
Fractures
A powerful impact to the head can fracture the cranium, jaw, or facial bones. A bone fracture happens when the mineral matrix of the bone cracks.
The treatment for fractures depends on the type and severity. Displaced fractures occur when the bone moves out of place after it breaks. For example, a depressed skull fracture happens when the broken piece of skull is pushed into the brain cavity. Displaced fractures often require surgery to move the bone fragment into place and secure it with plates and screws.
Non-displaced fractures happen when the bone remains in place after the break. In many cases involving non-displaced fractures, doctors will prescribe rest and monitor the patient rather than performing any invasive procedures.
Dental Injuries
A blow to the mouth area can cause dental injuries. Specifically, blunt force trauma might fracture or knock out teeth.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A blow to the head can jolt the brain, producing a traumatic brain injury. As the brain shifts in the skull, it can suffer damage.
A mild brain injury occurs when the brain swells simply from the pressure of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid on the brain as it moves. This injury, called a concussion, can cause brain fog, amnesia, and clumsiness.
A severe brain injury can result in permanent cognitive, physical, or emotional symptoms. They can also cause coma or even death. Severe brain injuries include cerebral contusions that occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull and diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs), where the brain tissue tears.
Whiplash
Blunt force head trauma can cause neck injuries. Specifically, a blow to the head can cause the neck to hyperextend as the head moves violently.
Whiplash can include the following injuries:
- Neck muscle and tendon strain
- Spine ligament sprains
- Herniated neck discs
- Nerve compression in the neck
These injuries can cause symptoms such as neck pain radiating into the shoulders and head, neck stiffness, and a limited range of head movement.
Contact the Charlotte Brain Injury Lawyers at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Blunt force head injuries result from a blow to the head. These injuries can range from mild bruises to life-changing brain damage. The extent of your injuries will affect the compensation you can seek from the party responsible for causing them.
If you or a loved one suffered blunt force head trauma in an accident, legal guidance may help you better understand your options. The Charlotte brain injury attorneys at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers can review the facts of your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
For more information, contact an experienced brain injury lawyer at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, and its surrounding areas:
Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers
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