Can Whiplash Cause Brain Injury? Lawsuit Legal

Auto Accidents & Brain Injuries from Whiplash

Whiplash, a common injury in car accidents, occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward.

The whipping motion strains the neck muscles and impact the brain.

The forceful motion can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, potentially leading to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), similar to concussions.

The soft tissue of the brain can be caused to shake inside the skull, potentially leading to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), similar to concussions.

It's critical to understand that symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties after a car accident may be indications of brain injury.

We regularly review car accident whiplash claims involving brain injury, and can help you you navigate the legal process.

If you've suffered whiplash in an auto accident, it's vital to seek medical treatment for head and neck head injuries.

In severe cases such as an intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleed) it can prove fatal if not treated early.

Go to the emergency room after the accident and get an x-ray to determine if any damage was, in fact, done to the brain.

If the tests determine you have suffered a brain injury, your recovery may take longer and be more expensive than you first thought.

 

How Whiplash Causes Brain Injuries

A car accident can cause damage to the brain in several ways. Understandably, structural damage to the brain can be caused by a blunt force head impact with the steering wheel, or perhaps the windshield. Whiplash is generally considered by most a neck injury, but it is often accompanied by trauma to the brain.

Concussion Injuries

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. The forceful acceleration / deceleration event in whiplash cause concussion injuries in the victim. The sudden whipping of the head can cause confusion, startle the victim, and leave the victim dazed. A concussion does not require the victim to go unconscious.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries

The intracranial movement of the soft tissue of the brain can damage blood vessels, brain tissue, and neurons. Diffuse axonal injuries cannot be seen in standard MRI or CT scans, but is a serious brain injury with significant complications. Victims can suffer from chronic headaches, fatigue, memory problems, cognitive problems and emotional issues resulting from the trauma.

Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury

In some cases, whiplash can cause the brain to impact with the skull due to the acceleration and deceleration. This coup-contrecoup brain impact within the skull can cause damage similar to a forceful blow to the head at the point of impact from an external object.

Intracrannial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeds)

The rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, in whiplash, can cause the blood vessels in the brain to stretch and tear. It is vital to diagnose an intracranial hemorrhage as soon as possible, as it can prove fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.

Chemical Cascade Injury

A serious collision involving whiplash can also cause secondary damage to the brain through the release of harmful chemicals known as a chemical cascade injury. The victim can go on to develop cognitive, memory, and emotional issues from the resulting secondary damage to the brain..

An average settlement for whiplash risks falling woefully short if the victim's brain injury is undiagnosed and resulting medical costs past and future aren't accounted for.

As many as 10% of people who suffer whiplash injuries will become permanently disabled. In a closed head injury can be difficult to detect without a clear point of impact or penetration of the skull. Detecting this type of trauma can be tricky. It may require the care of a neurologist or doctor with special training to properly diagnose a brain injury after a car accident. Not detectable by traditional MRI or CT scans, a number of neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the full extent of injuries sustained.

 

Symptoms of Brain Injury from Whiplash

A car accident often involves multiple physical injuries which can mask the symptoms. Additionally, the shock and adrenaline of a serious crash can mask the full impact and potential for a traumatic brain injury. Soft tissue damage, muscle strains, and tears can also get worse with time as swelling sets in, further exacerbating the trauma. For example, in a rear-end accident the driver hit from behind by another motorist may feel "ok" at the time of the crash, only for pain and stiffness to worsen significantly in the coming days. Symptoms of whiplash caused brain injury can include the following:

• Feeling Disoriented, Dazed, Stunned
• Depression, Anxiety & Mood Changes
• Cognitive Problems (Memory & Emotional Issues)
• Nausea, Vomiting & Persistent Headaches
• Impaired Attention Span, Focus & Information Processing

In very severe cases of whiplash-related concussion, victims may continue to exhibit cognitive, sensory, and physical symptoms for years. If you suffer any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor and share your concerns about having a proper brain injury. Let them know you were in a motor vehicle accident involving whiplash and make sure you undergo the proper tests to identify any brain injuries you may have sustained. If you're doctor isn't taking your concerns seriously, contact our legal team immediately, and we'll connect you with a specialist in your area experienced in auto accident caused brain injuries.