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Causes and Symptoms of Subdural Hematomas (Brain Hemorrhage) Caused by Traumatic Injury

One of the more common injuries people sustain when they strike their head is a subdural hematoma (brain hemorrhage). These injuries commonly occur when someone falls. They also occur in vehicle accidents, such as a car hitting a pedestrian, a motorcycle collision with a car, a motorcycle striking a pedestrian, or a car, motorcycle or bicycle hitting a child on a scooter. Such accidents are more likely to result in a closed head injury with subdural hematoma when the bicyclist, motorcycle rider (motorcyclist), or child on a scooter is not wearing a helmet.

The injury is described as a hematoma, which is a localized collection of blood caused by bleeding from a blood vessel. As the bleeding continues, the accumulation of blood within a confined space increases the pressure being applied to the brain. As that pressure increases, brain function may be affected, commonly manifesting itself with headaches, confusion or weakness. This often is the first evidence to people around the person that an injury to the brain has occurred. Prompt medical attention must be obtained. Surgery may be required to stop the bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain.

These injuries are serious and may be catastrophic. Treatment may require lengthy hospitalization, rehabilitation, home health care and therapy. The medical costs are often enormous. The outcome for the elderly is often more problematic due to underlying health issues and problems which develop when they are immobilized for any length of time. The long term effects are often difficult to predict. Damages may include long term medical care, loss of earning and earning capacity, as well as traditional tort damages of physical and medical pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

They are a reminder of why operators and owners of motor vehicles must be adequately insured with bodily injury coverage in the event they cause an accident resulting in such an injury to someone. They are also a reminder of the need to carry sufficient uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your vehicles should you become injured by another vehicle with little or no bodily injury liability coverage. This is discussed in Buying Car Insurance- the Ultimate Guide to Protection from Irresponsible Drivers in Florida, available FREE of charge at www.jwdodsonlaw.com or wwwFloridaInsuranceBook.com.

Disclaimer

The author is not a doctor and has no medical training. The information is provided to help raise awareness of issues involved when someone suffers a closed head injury, and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any condition.

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