Brain Bleed Symptoms After Car Accident

What is a Brain Bleed?

A brain bleed is a serious injury that can occur when blood vessels in the brain rupture immediately because of the intense force from a car accident. Sometimes the bleeding happens immediately, but in other cases, it may emerge hours or even days later. If left untreated, the build-up of blood within the skull can lead to lasting brain damage.

Each year, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. experience a ruptured brain aneurysm, highlighting the threat posed by these injuries. It’s essential to understand how brain bleeds happen and why they can be so dangerous, as well as how our car accident lawyers in Chicago can help if this condition is tied to someone else’s negligence.

Types of Brain Bleeds After a Car Accident

In serious car accidents, the sudden force to the head can lead to a range of brain bleeds that affect different areas and pose distinct health risks. Below are some of the common types of brain bleeds that may occur:

Subdural Hematoma

When blood collects between the dura mater and the brain, it can create growing pressure that endangers normal brain function. In some cases, this type of bleed occurs instantly, but subdural hematomas can also appear gradually over time.

Epidural Bleed (Epidural Hematoma)

Epidural hematomas often stem from a ruptured artery located between the skull and the dura mater. This type of bleed can progress quickly, particularly when caused by a forceful impact to the head during a collision.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

With an intracerebral hemorrhage, bleeding occurs directly within the brain tissue, typically linked to a high-impact crash. Depending on the severity and location, it can cause permanent brain damage or even be life-threatening.

Recognizing the different types of brain bleeds and getting immediate medical attention can make a crucial difference in your recovery after a car accident.

How Serious Are Brain Bleeds from Car Accidents?

Brain bleeds from car accidents can be extremely serious, requiring prompt medical treatment. These injuries often place intense pressure on the brain, driving up the risk of permanent complications or even death. According to research, the five-year survival rate for brain bleeds is around 26%. Below are some of the ways an untreated brain bleed can impact a victim:

• Coma or Loss of Consciousness
• Paralysis or Loss of Movement
• Difficulty Breathing
• Long-Term Brain Damage

Taking immediate action and getting proper medical treatment can be a vital step in improving one’s chances of recovery.

Brain Bleed Symptoms After a Car Accident

After a serious car accident, it’s crucial to watch for signs of a potential head injury and brain bleeding, as early detection can make all the difference in your recovery. If you experience any of the following symptoms of a brain bleed, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe headaches
• Sudden loss of consciousness or confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Slurred speech
• Loss of movement or sensation in the limbs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Neck stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Mood swings
• Personality changes

Even if you aren’t experiencing the more severe symptoms related to brain bleeds, it’s a good idea to reach out for medical attention at the first sign of this injury.

Delayed Symptoms of Brain Bleeds and the “Talk and Die Syndrome”

It’s not uncommon for head trauma from a car crash to go unnoticed at first, with a person appearing and feeling normal in the immediate aftermath. This delay in symptoms can turn dangerous, as undetected brain bleeding may worsen over time.

This is sometimes referred to as “Talk and Die Syndrome,” where a victim speaks and acts normally right after the accident, only to rapidly deteriorate hours or days later when the hidden injury takes a more serious turn.

Being aware of this possibility and seeking medical evaluation, even if you feel ok at first, is an essential step in preventing further harm.

How Are Brain Bleeds Diagnosed?

Identifying a brain bleed as a result of a head injury as early as possible is a crucial step in receiving the right treatment and preventing long-term damage. Here’s how this is done:

CT Scan: Doctors often rely on a CT scan first because it can detect accumulated blood within the skull quickly.

MRI Scan: An MRI after a car accident offers a more detailed image of the brain’s soft tissues. It can pick up on subtle changes or smaller bleeds that might not appear on other scans.

Angiogram: When there’s a suspicion of blood vessel abnormalities or aneurysms, an angiogram may be ordered. It shows blood flow and any potential weak spots where bleeding may occur.

Treatment Options for Brain Bleed Injuries

When a brain bleed injury, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, occurs as a result of a blow to the head, immediate medical care is critical as such conditions are potentially life-threatening.

Depending on the severity of the injury and the increased intracranial pressure on the brain it causes, several treatment options may be considered to mitigate damage to brain cells, manage symptoms of a brain bleed, and stabilize blood flow in the brain.

Burr Hole Trephination (Surgical Drainage) to Reduce Increased Pressure on The Brain

This procedure involves drilling a small hole into the skull to relieve pressure caused by accumulated blood. It is commonly used in emergency situations where rapid intervention is required to prevent damage to brain tissue.

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a surgical operation where a section of the skull is temporarily removed, allowing surgeons to access the brain’s affected area. It is often performed to drain excess blood, address bleeding that occurs in the brain’s ventricles, and reduce increased pressure.

Endovascular Coiling or Clipping

This advanced procedure involves inserting a catheter into the bleeding artery to seal off the rupture and halt further bleeding. By controlling blood pressure and preventing additional hemorrhage, this approach reduces strain on the brain and aids the recovery process.

Each of these procedures is typically performed in an intensive care unit, where patients can be closely monitored for high blood pressure and increased intracranial pressure.

Long-Term Effects & Brain Damage Due to Bleed Injury

Sustaining a brain bleed can result in ongoing challenges that affect all aspects of a person’s life. Below are some common long-term effects of this type of traumatic brain injury:

Memory Loss or Cognitive Decline: Brain damage from a bleed can lead to confusion, trouble remembering events, or challenges in concentrating on tasks.

Speech or Mobility Impairments: Survivors might have difficulty speaking clearly or moving certain parts of the body.

Chronic Pain or Headaches: Persistent headaches or other forms of discomfort may become an ongoing issue.

Increased Risk of Future Strokes or Hemorrhages: Individuals who’ve had one brain bleed can be more vulnerable to another episode.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Needs: Depending on the severity of the injury, patients may need to continue with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and long-term care.

Staying aware of these potential outcomes can help survivors and their families plan for the support they’ll need.

What to Do After a Brain Bleed from a Car Accident

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain bleed injury as a result of a blow to the head in a car accident, follow these steps:

• Seek emergency medical attention. Some brain injuries need immediate treatment to lower the risk of long-term damage.
• Undergo diagnostic testing. A CT scan or MRI can catch internal bleeding before it leads to more serious complications.
• Report the accident to your insurance company. Keep track of all medical bills and treatments for any future claims.
• Do not sign any settlement offers. Insurance companies might offer a quick payout that doesn’t cover the full extent of your injuries.
• Consult with a brain injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.

Taking these steps can safeguard your health and your right to fair compensation as you move forward in your recovery process.

Can You Sue for a Brain Bleed Injury?

If another driver’s negligence led to your brain bleeding, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking financial recovery. By showing that their negligent actions caused your injuries, you could receive payment for things like medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and even pain and suffering.

Some claims also cover the cost of long-term rehabilitation if your recovery requires ongoing therapy.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with a Brain Bleed Injury Case

When dealing with a brain bleed injury after a car accident, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some ways they can help:

Proving Liability: An attorney works to build a strong case by collecting medical records, reviewing accident reports, and consulting with experts to establish who is responsible for the injury.

Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny claims, especially those involving serious conditions like brain injuries. A lawyer negotiates on your behalf.

Securing Compensation: Car accident lawyers focus on ensuring you receive fair financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs related to your injury.

With experienced legal guidance, you can focus on recovery while knowing your case is being handled professionally.

Get Legal Help After Brain Injuries from a Car Accident

If you or a loved one suffered a brain bleed due to a car accident, it’s important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Serious head trauma can have long-term effects on your health, daily life, and finances, making it essential to understand your legal rights. Rosenfeld Injury Law offers a free consultation, giving you a risk-free way to determine the next steps.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Champaign, Elgin,Naperville, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.