The Chances of Suffering a Concussion in a Motor Vehicle Wreck
According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Justice, motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of personal injury in the United States, accounting for about half of all emergency room visits. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with auto-accident-related concussions every year, accounting for roughly 20% of all mild traumatic brain injuries.
What is a concussion? What distinguishes it from other types of traumatic brain injuries? How can a motor vehicle accident lead to a concussion?
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is the mildest form of a traumatic brain injury, but it can nonetheless pose significant health risks. The symptoms of a concussion can look very similar to moderate or even severe traumatic brain injuries:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vertigo, dizziness, loss of balance, or lightheadedness
- Abnormal sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or taste
- Ringing in the ears
- Vision problems, such as blurriness or double vision
While the majority of concussions do not involve loss of consciousness, it can and does happen with some mild traumatic brain injuries.
How Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Cause a Concussion?
Most often, a car-accident-related concussion stems from some type of impact involving your head or neck. You may hit the windshield or dashboard or make impact with another object, such as a vehicle, a tree, or the ground. Any time you have a bump or blow to the head, it can jostle your brain and cause damage, including bruising, bleeding, and tissue injury.
It’s not necessary, though, that you (or the vehicle in which you are traveling) make an impact with anything. Because your brain is encased in your skull, a sudden stop, or even a violent turn, can cause your brain to careen off the inside of your skull, causing a traumatic brain injury.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who have suffered any type of injury in a motor vehicle accident. We know the common types of injuries sustained in a crash and can take proactive measures to treat the potential consequences of a car wreck. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.