In rare cases, but potentially life-altering, brain stem injuries occur in car crashes. This area of the brain regulates many essential systems in the body; therefore, survivors may have permanent physical and mental impairment.
The effects of brain stem damage and potential treatments are discussed here. We will also go over why victims should get a Las Vegas car accident lawyer if they need lengthy medical treatment and an extended recovery.
Contents
Legal options after a brain stem injury from a car crash?
Your spinal cord connects to the brain stem, which is located at the base of your brain. Your brain’s capacity to interact with the rest of your body to control several important bodily activities, like swallowing and breathing, is made possible by this stalk-like structure.
Depending on how severe the damage is, brain stem injuries can take on various forms. Typical brain stem injuries consist of:
- Paralysis/Weakness
- Diminished ability to breathe
- Changes in heart rate
- Vertigo/Balance difficulties
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Jerky or recurring movements of the eyes
- Slurred phrases
- Vomiting or nausea
- Coughing
- Changes in the sensations, such as losing the ability to smell
- Sleep Disruptions
Brain injuries suffered in crashes are likely to end up in long-term, permanent medical disorders like:
1. Impairment of Motor Function
Medical conditions such as weakness, weariness, and poor coordination may arise from impairment of motor function.
2. Impairments to Sensation
Depending on where in the brain the injury occurs, some brain stem injuries can affect taste, touch, hearing, and eyesight.
3. Coma
A person in a coma is not conscious, and their brain activity is very minimal. In some cases, the harm may be either temporary or permanent. Recovery from a coma can have no adverse impacts upon awakening. On the other hand, specific individuals could get infections of the urinary system, blood clots, or bedsores.
4. Impaired speech
Some coma survivors might encounter difficulties with language upon awakening, including slurred speech or vocal quality problems. Damage to the nerves regulating the vocal cords may result in impaired speech.
5. Having Difficulty Swallowing
The medulla regulates processes like food and liquid swallowing. Damage to this area of your brain stem may make it difficult for your brain and different muscles to interact properly.
How Do Brain Stem Injury Diagnoses and Treatments Start?
For anyone who may have experienced brain stem damage, getting emergency medical assistance is crucial. A victim may start therapy sooner if they are properly diagnosed, for example, by an MRI or other imaging testing.
The truth is that patients with brain stem injuries often have limited options for therapy. In some instances, surgery could be helpful.
