What Are Closed Brain Injuries?

If you have been diagnosed with a brain injury after a traffic accident, you may wonder "How can I have a brain injury if my head doesn't look hurt?"   

A closed brain injury is sustained in or on the brain in which the skull is not penetrated, so there may not be any external signs of injury. Closed brain injuries are usually caused by a blow to the head, or a sudden, violent motion that causes the brain to knock against the inside of the skull. More than half a million people suffer closed brain injuries each year, and car accidents are the leading cause of this type of injury. 

How Does a Person Sustain a Closed Brain Injury?

There are several ways to sustain a closed brain injury in an Atlanta traffic accident:

• The victim's head may smash against part of the vehicle during the crash
• The force of the crash can cause the brain to hit the interior of the skull
• The head may be struck by a flying object
• Another vehicle may penetrate the passenger cabin and strike the victim's head
• The victim may be ejected from the vehicle and hit his head

It can be difficult to diagnose a closed brain injury because after the accident, there may not be any visible signs of head trauma and symptoms may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks after the car accident.  

If you have been in a car accident, see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Dilated pupils
• Respiratory issues
• Convulsions
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaking from nose or ears
• Speech and language problems
• Vision issues
• Emotional and behavioral changes

 If untreated, even a mild concussion can cause brain damage. The brain damage from a closed head injury sustained in a car accident can have physical, cognitive, and psychological effects.   

Speak with Our Empathetic Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has suffered closed brain injury from an Atlanta car accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation if the accident was caused by another person's negligence.  A brain injury attorney in Atlanta can help you get compensation for medical expenses, loss of income or earning potential, long term care and therapy, and pain and suffering. 

For more information, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 and ask to schedule a free consultation.