What are Closed Head Injuries?
Closed head injuries occur when someone suffers a blow to their skull, or a sudden, violent jerking motion that causes the brain to knock against part of the skull. Closed head injuries do not involve any damage to the skull, and often there is little to no visible evidence of a closed head injury. Closed head injuries are commonly called concussions.
Common Causes of Closed Head Injuries
Closed head injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including:
- Sporting Activities – Closed head injuries are most common in sports like football, soccer and hockey, but can happen in any activity where there is the potential for a participant to fall, or have something thrown, hit or swung at his or her head.
- Vehicle Accidents – In rear-end and side-impact accidents, vehicle drivers and passengers will often be whipped around in the vehicle (despite the use of seatbelts and other restraints). This whipping motion can cause closed head injuries. Closed head injuries can also be caused by the occupant’s head making contact with the side of the car, the headrest, or the dashboard.
- Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents – When motorcycle and bicycle accidents happen, the victim is often thrown from the bike or motorcycle onto the ground. While helmets can protect against open head injuries, there is still the potential for closed head injuries when the rider hits the ground after an accident.
Symptoms of Closed Head Injuries
After an accident or a fall, you want to keep any eye out for the symptoms of closed head injuries. While some symptoms may be mild and are similar to those of concussions, other symptoms are very serious and can include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred Vision
- Slurred Speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Behavioral Changes
- Anosmia
- Tinnitus
If you experience the symptoms of a closed head injury after an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Cases Involving Closed Head Injuries
If the closed head injury was caused by an accident or another person’s negligence, you may be able to bring a claim for your injuries. You will want to speak to an experienced attorney to learn what your options are after suffering a closed head injury. At The Ernst Law Group, we represent individuals who have suffered closed head injuries and are here to help.
