Head injuries are one of the most common and serious injuries suffered in a car accident. The severity of a head injury will largely depend on the extent that the brain has been damaged and the locations that have been damaged.
One symptom of serious head injuries is loss of balance. This can occur for several reasons, and it can impact your ability to work, socialize and lead the life that you did before the accident. What specific kinds of head injuries can impact your balance?
Concussions
Concussions frequently occur when someone suffers a blow to the head. Often, the injured party loses consciousness, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, most concussions occur without the individual losing consciousness.
The symptoms of concussion can vary, but loss of balance is very common. Thankfully, most concussions subside after a few days. However, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately after the accident because concussion symptoms can be delayed, and a concussion can indicate a more severe underlying head injury.
Nerve damage
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often damages the nerves that are involved in motor functions. The nerves may no longer be able to send messages to the brain that affect the ability to keep your balance.
There are several areas of the brain that are pivotal to balance, but injuries to the brain stem are very likely to make it difficult for people to walk and keep their balance.
These are just two potential causes of loss of balance after an accident. Inner ear damage, medications for head injuries and damage to the perceptual system can also result in difficulty with balance. If your injuries were the result of another person’s negligence, a personal injury claim can provide compensation for your medical costs, further treatments and loss of enjoyment in life.
