Everything You Need To Know About Blunt Force Head Trauma

David Muñoz | March 7, 2023 | Personal Injury

Everything You Need To Know About Blunt Force Head Trauma

Blunt force head trauma refers to physical injuries to the head and skull that can often leave victims with long-lasting cognitive and physical disabilities. 

The brain is a fragile organ, and even a minor injury can result in severe damage. Knowing the symptoms of blunt force head trauma injuries is critical, and early detection can save lives. If you sustain any trauma to your head after a car accident or a fall, it’s wise to seek medical attention immediately. 

Blunt Force Head Trauma Statistics

Roughly 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBI-related conditions are responsible for nearly 30% of all injury-related deaths nationwide. 

At least 64,362 TBI-related deaths were reported in the United States in 2020 alone. Of these, the top three causes of TBI were:

According to estimates from the CDC, nearly 5.3 million Americans live with a TBI-related disability.

4 Types of Blunt Force Head Trauma Injuries

Depending on the force of impact and location, blunt force head trauma can cause various types of injuries to the brain and skull. 

1. Concussions

These injuries are the most common form of mild TBI. Concussions occur when the brain is shaken around due to sudden movements. As a result, delicate tissues and brain cells can become damaged, resulting in different symptoms, such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Confusions
  • Speech problems
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty balancing 
  • Insomnia 

While many concussions can heal on their own after a few days, some can result in far more severe complications that require medical attention.

2. Contusions

Whenever the head is struck hard enough, the impact can reach the brain and cause internal swelling and bleeding. Whenever a contusion is severe enough, the brain can present life-threatening neurological symptoms, including loss of consciousness and seizures.

3. Skull Fractures

As with other types of blunt force trauma to the body, the bones will often be the first line of defense. As such, if you sustain an injury to the head, your skull can crack or fissure, leading to bleeding, headaches, and swelling, potentially leading to debilitating consequences.

4. Hematoma

A hematoma is an injury that occurs when blood vessels in the body are damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. A hematoma in the head or brain can be a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. 

Diagnosing Blunt Force Head Trauma Injuries

Due to the broad range of blunt force head trauma symptoms, diagnosing these injuries often challenges medical professionals. They may often use different methods to determine the condition and address the symptoms.

Imaging 

The most common diagnostic tools for blunt force head trauma injuries are imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

These tests allow healthcare professionals to visualize the brain and detect abnormalities like bleeding or swelling. CT scans are often used in emergencies, as they are faster and more readily available than MRI scans.

Neurological Exams 

Neurological exams are the most common way to help evaluate a patient’s cognitive and motor functions. These exams assess a patient’s reflexes, coordination, thinking abilities, emotional status, and overall mental state.

Blood Tests 

Some doctors may analyze blood to diagnose blunt-force head trauma injuries. In some cases, blood tests can reveal the presence of substances such as brain enzymes or unique proteins often released into the bloodstream after a severe brain injury.

Personal Injury Attorneys for Brain Injuries

Whenever you suffer a concussion, contusion, skull fracture, or any TBI resulting from negligence, you can file a claim to hold the responsible party accountable. To pursue a personal injury claim, consult an established attorney specializing in blunt-force head trauma injuries.

Contact the San Diego Brain Injury Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a brain injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000