Intracranial Hematomas Caused in Car Accidents

If you suffered a blow to your head in a car accident, the result may be a life-altering intracranial hematoma, or blood clot. A hematoma is caused by bleeding on the brain and blood collection within the skull.

In some cases, a serious hematoma can lead to permanent damage to brain tissue—or death.

Hematomas Caused by Car Accidents

Hematomas or blood clots are most commonly caused by a closed head injury when there’s a blow to the head when it smashes against a hard object in a crash.

This may cause blood vessels to rupture and a blood clot to form at the location of the bleeding.

Here are the different types of hematomas you could suffer:

• Subdural hematoma. This type of hematoma occurs when blood vessels between the dura—which is the three membranes covering the brain—and the brain rupture and cause pressure on the brain.
• Epidural hematoma. If the bleed occurs between the dura and the skull, it’s referred to as an epidural hematoma. The blood clots can form a mass that puts pressure on the brain, which is immediately life-threatening.
• Intracerebral hematoma. An intracerebral hematoma develops when the ruptured blood vessels and blood clot occurs deep in the brain. It can be one of the most difficult to treat.

Symptoms of an Intracranial Hematoma

Symptoms can develop immediately or over days, weeks, or longer. As pressure on the brain increases, you could experience these symptoms:

• Headaches that increase in frequency
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Progressive loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Lethargy
• Seizures

Immediate Medical Care Is Essential

If you or someone you love received a blow to the head in a car accident, it’s critical to seek prompt medical care, regardless of whether hematoma symptoms are present. As the blood bleed and blot clots continue to develop, a hematoma can quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency that can cause permanent brain damage or be fatal. You want to do everything you can to prevent this from happening.

You Could Suffer Life-Long Brain Injuries Caused by a Hematoma

Intracranial hematomas are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the severity, the condition could be permanent and have far-reaching effects on an individual’s ability to work and take care of day-to-day needs. A TBI often causes changes to vision, hearing, mobility, reasoning, memory, concentration, and other cognitive and emotional abilities. These changes may evolve into permanent disabilities.

Have You Been Injured In A Kansas City Area Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Kansas City office directly at 816-471-5111 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Link: Determining Liability After a Car or Truck Accident