How a Simple Fall or Minor Accident Could Turn Fatal

 Posted on May 19, 2016 in Personal Injury

When most people think of head injuries, they think of concussions: blows to the head experienced during major falls, automobile accidents, or while playing sports that can have lasting effects. There is, however, a lesser known but quieter, insidious type of head injury in which few people are aware. Experienced even during minor accidents or simple slips and falls, these injuries are slow-growing but can quickly and easily become fatal if not detected. These injuries are known as subdural hematomas.

What is a Subdural Hematoma?

Like concussions, subdural hematomas are injuries to the head. However, unlike concussions, subdural hematomas do not need a major blow to occur. They can occur because of a simple fall, or even just starting to fall and then catching yourself. Subdural hematomas can also occur even during a minor automobile accident, where the head is suddenly jolted or bumped so slightly that the injured person does not even remember or fully register the hit. Those who are aged 60 or older are most susceptible because of how the brain changes with age.

Studies show that the human brain shrinks with age. As it does, it begins to pull away from its protective layer, the dura. This leaves the network of veins connecting the two more exposed and vulnerable, making them more susceptible to tearing and injury. If this occurs, blood will slowly start to ooze from the injured veins and cause a low-pressure ribbon of blood within the surface layer of the brain. Over time, this ribbon can grow to a pool and place pressure on the brain, causing damage that is quite similar to that of a brain tumor.

Symptoms of a Subdural Hematoma

Estimates reported by researchers in the Journal of Neurosurgery place the occurrence of subdural hematomas at around 200,000 per year. Many of those may go undiagnosed because the sufferer may not remember hitting his or her head at all. Others may be misdiagnosed because the first and most common symptoms may not seem overly concerning at first: a consistent but low-grade headache. Over time, however, more symptoms may emerge, including:

• Confusion;
• Nausea and/or vomiting;
• General weakness;
• Excessive drowsiness or lethargy;
• Inexplicable behavior changes;
• Dizziness;
• Seizures; and
• Apathy.

Suffered a Head Injury? You May Be Due Compensation

If you have experienced a head injury during a slip and fall or automobile accident, you may be due compensation. Unfortunately, these areas of the law can be extremely complex. As such, it is critical that you first seek medical attention and then contact a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your rights and best interests are protected.

With more than 200 years of combined experience, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help. Dedicated to helping you handle a difficult situation, our DuPage County personal injury attorneys will conduct an in-depth investigation to help build a strong case against any responsible parties. Learn more by scheduling your free initial consultation. Call us at 630-932-9100 today.

Sources:

http://npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/06/462138708/how-a-simple-bump-can-cause-an-insidious-brain-injury

http://webmd.com/brain/subdural-hematoma-symptoms-causes-treatments?page=2