Concussions occur when the brain hits the inside of the skull. This mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. The severity of the cranial trauma and symptoms can vary widely between brain injuries. Impact with another vehicle or object, such as an airbag, can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. Victims may lose consciousness upon impact but loss of consciousness is not necessary for a concussion.

Signs Of Concussion

Concussions are often undiagnosed because people are unaware of symptoms. Keep in mind that signs and symptoms may not show up right away – they may take hours or days to be noticed following the head injury. Signs of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. 

More serious signs of concussion include loss of consciousness, seizures, and changes in behavior or alertness. If any of these signs are present after a head injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. 

If you think you may have suffered a concussion or other head injury after an automobile accident and are experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor. Medical exams help determine the severity of a brain injury and communication with your doctor is key for proper diagnosis.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaska Car Accident victims with concussion brain injuries for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority: Concussion Guidebook, Centers for Disease Control

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Acquired Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. Essentially, this type of brain injury is one that has occurred after birth. 

Non-Traumatic

Non-traumatic brain injuries occur due to changes in brain function. Incidents may induce these kinds of injuries such as stroke, seizure, electric shock or drug overdose, but are not always.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs occur when an external force is exerted on the brain. Events like falls, assaults, gunshot wounds or car accidents may result in a traumatic brain injury. Over half of TBIs result from car crashes due to the force taking place. The speed of the vehicle in a crash combined with the collision causes the brain to collide with the interior of the skull. In an event like this, the collision may leave a bruise on the brain beyond the initial impact. Additionally, blunt trauma in a crash may result in a TBI because the person hit their head, on the windshield or steering wheel.

The seriousness of brain injuries ranges from minor to severe depending on the incident. A TBI can also occur without losing consciousness. Signs of a TBI may not be immediately noticeable.

If you are in a car accident and hit your head, make sure you see a medical professional and rule out a TBI. If you see signs after the accident, like dizziness, balance problems, headaches or confusion, seek immediate medical attention.

Wrongful death claims are particularly sensitive cases and deserve equally sensitive representation. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your loss: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Brain Injury Association

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A Head Injury is Not Always Obvious

Although head injuries – such as a fractured skull – may not be immediately obvious, bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness, pain and warmth around the location of impact are common symptoms. As a result, bruising under the eyes or behind the ears can indicate a basal skull fracture, as can bleeding from the eyes, nose or ears. A number of other symptoms often associated with skull fracture include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• confusion,
• irritability,
• restlessness,
• drowsiness,
• fainting,
• difficulty balancing,
• stiff neck,
• headache,
• blurred vision, and;
• pupils that do not dilate or contract based on varying amounts of light.

Treating a Skull Fracture

The form of treatment depends on the type of head injury. A basal fracture, or one that occurs on the floor of the skull near the ears or face, can often heal on its own, and may require nothing but pain medication. If there is considerable leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, however, surgery may be required to treat the head injury. Furthermore, surgery is more common in what are known as depressive fractures, which result in deformation of the skull or pressure on the brain.

Getting Legal Help After An Automobile Accident

In conclusion, the medical treatment required after an automobile accident which involve a serious head injury may cause serious financial setbacks. Therefore, a good personal injury attorney will help in determining the remedies available to an injured client.

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your Automobile Accident Head Injury case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Medline Plus; Mount Sinai

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Tips For A Safer Spring Weather Driving

Driving in Spring has challenges and one needs to take precautions no matter where you live. However, if you are prepared, drive safely, and have the right tools, navigating Alaska roads while driving in Spring can be safer and more enjoyable:

• Seatbelts – fashionable in all seasons and go with every outfit
• Sun safety on those morning and afternoon commutes is a must
• Make sure to share the roads with the ATVs and motorcycles navigating Spring Weather Hazards
• Construction season will be here so be aware and alert while traveling in these areas
• Big truck traffic increases Spring Weather Hazards while bringing more goods and services to Alaska
• Extra sun requires sleep adjustments – be sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel

Traumatic Brain Injuries And Motor Vehicle Accidents

March is also Brain Injury Awareness Month. Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America leads the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Spring weather hazards bring the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Adult occupants were 47.0% of all motor vehicle–related TBI visits and 9.7% of all TBI visits. Child occupants represented 54.4% of the motor vehicle crash–related TBI ED visits.

Traumatic Brain Injury Deaths: Adult vehicle occupants were 45.8% of all motor vehicle–related TBI deaths and 13.2% of all TBI deaths. On average, there were 488 child TBI deaths in motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 21.8% of all TBI-related deaths.

Vehicle Maintenance

Make sure to take care of the vehicle that gets you to and from all the beauty Alaska has to offer through Alaska’s Spring weather hazards. As you adjust and welcome the season, be aware and prepared. Take care of yourself and others while driving. Make safe driving in Alaska during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter weather a priority.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Online Defensive Driving; Brain Injury Association of America; Center For Disease Control; National Library Of Medicine

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