Being in an automobile accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or slip and fall accident can cause injuries, such as head trauma. In the event of an injury to the head—even if there is no visible sign of damage—it is possible for a hematoma to result.
Typically, hematomas occur when a blow to the head happens and causes the brain’s outer blood vessels or veins to tear and bleed. A hematoma is a collection of blood that has collected within tissues that surround the injury site and results in blood clotting.
Types of Brain Hematomas
- Subdural hematoma. This type of injury occurs between the inside lining of the brain and brain tissue—not in the brain itself. As a result, blood collects between the layers of tissue surrounding the outermost layer of the brain, called the dura, and the next layer, the arachnoid. When blood collects, it can put pressure on the brain and can cause life-threatening effects—even death.
- Intracranial epidural hematoma. This is when a hematoma forms between the outside lining of the brain and the skull due to a ruptured artery or blood vessel. When blood leaks between the skull and outer dura mater, it can compress the brain tissue and actually lead to unconsciousness or even death.
- Intraparenchymal hematoma. With this type of hematoma, the blood collects in the brain itself. Unfortunately, this type of hematoma typically is accompanied by injuries to the brain’s white matter and can cause severe brain damage.
Brain Hematoma Symptoms
Sometimes symptoms appear immediately following a head injury, especially if a person suffered an acute hematoma. However, other times bleeding occurs slowly and symptoms take some time to manifest, which may be days or weeks following a head injury. In either event, some signs and symptoms of a brain hematoma include:
- Horrible headaches
- Visual problems
- Weakness and tiredness
- Balance and walking difficulties
- Numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness or comatose
Any time someone suffers any of these symptoms, medical care should be sought immediately in an effort to minimize brain damage. Unfortunately, many people with hematomas due to head injuries don’t end up regaining their full brain function.
If you or a loved one has suffered the negative effects of a hematoma due to a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall accident, sports injury, or defective product, you should contact a seasoned lawyer who knows about brain injuries and can help innocent victims recover the most compensation possible. You can find such an attorney at our law firm. We welcome your call and will even provide you with a free consultation so that you can get to know us and we can answer your questions. Call us today at (703) 721-4233
