Brain Trauma and Head Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are more susceptible to head injuries and brain trauma in a motorcycle accident than occupants of passenger vehicles or trucks. Wearing a full-face helmet is the most vital piece of protective equipment you can wear since wearing one substantially reduces the incidence of fatal accidents and lessens the severity of a head injury.
Still, many riders either do not wear helmets despite helmet laws in most states or wear the barest minimum of one to comply with the law. In any accident, though, where your bike falls over, or you are ejected, the risk of a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is present.
Concussions
Any blow to the head can result in a concussion, which is a result of a jarring or shaking of the brain. You may not have any visible signs of injury or have experienced loss of consciousness to suffer one. Depending on the severity of the trauma as well as your overall physical condition and whether you have experienced any previous concussions, the recovery time varies from a few hours to several months. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Fatigue
- Interruption or change in sleep patterns
- Depression
- More prone to outbursts
Any of these symptoms can arise days or weeks after an accident and are considered post-concussion symptoms. Immediately seek medical care if you continue to experience these symptoms.
Brain Hemorrhage
Trauma can also lead to a brain hemorrhage, which occurs when pooled blood accumulates into a hematoma and increases pressure on surrounding tissue, reducing blood flow and killing brain cells. Symptoms are similar to that of a concussion but may also include:
- Sudden severe headache
- Seizures
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Hand tremors
- Difficulty speaking
- Change in vision
- Loss of consciousness
Immediate medical attention is critical if these symptoms occur.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The symptoms of a TBI may start out as mild and then become worse. They include:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness and confusion
- Mood changes and swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory problems
Any head injury can cause these symptoms. If you have a seizure or begin to have coordination problems, call your doctor or go the emergency room.
These types of problems from a TBI can be devastating. You could end up in a coma or experience temporary to long-lasting changes in personality, difficulty in understanding simple instructions or directions, maintaining social relationships and problems with sight, hearing, taste or touch.