Symptoms of a Head Injury Following a Florida Motorcycle Accident
Head injuries are a common problem among motorcycle riders. Since there are currently no mandatory helmet laws in Florida, motorcycle riders may choose whether or not to wear helmets on the road. Unfortunately, those who get in an accident without a helmet are twice as likely to suffer severe head injuries, sometimes resulting in the death of the rider.
Palm Beach motorcycle accident victims can sustain a variety of head injuries, including:
- Concussion. After a concussion, a patient will often lose consciousness for a few minutes. He may be confused, disoriented, or show a lack of balance for a time after the injury.
- Hematoma. Sometimes an accident can cause bleeding in the brain, which later forms a clot. This will manifest as a bump on the head, often not visible until weeks after the accident.
- Contusion. Small bleeds under the skull result in swollen brain tissue, essentially causing the brain to “bruise.”
- Skull Fracture. If the impact is severe, the skull itself may crack, causing bleeds as bone fragments burrow into surrounding tissues.
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Many symptoms of brain injury can mirror symptoms of shock after an accident—forgetfulness, irritability, and trouble sleeping could just be a sign of stress. It is important that you receive follow-up care after the accident, and have your behavior carefully monitored for signs of brain damage.
Here are just a few signs of brain injury to check for following a Florida motorcycle accident:
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Chronic headaches
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Depression
- Ringing in the ears
Brain injuries can be particularly difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident, so it is vital that your physician perform routine checks in the weeks following your injury. Common methods used to diagnose head injuries include EEG, MRI, and CT scan. If your physician did not order sufficient follow-up testing, you may be due compensation for your injuries. Get advice from a trusted Palm Beach accident attorney today by calling Fetterman & Associates at (866)-865-1244
