Traumatic Brain Injury After a Bicycle Accident
While many Ottawa bicycle accidents result in minor injuries such as sprained wrists, road rash and scrapes and bruises, some cyclists can be seriously injured. If a cyclist is in an accident with a motor vehicle they can sustain severe and potentially life-threatening injuries. It is important to be aware of the potential serious injuries that can result from a cycling accident. If anything, such knowledge can serve as an important reminder and motivation to wear a helmet and practice safe cycling techniques.
One of the most serious cycling injuries is traumatic brain injury. Head injuries are often most severe if a cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident; however, cyclists who do wear helmets are not necessarily 100% protected against head injuries. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can have short-term and long-term effects. Some of the more severe symptoms of TBI include amnesia, brain haemorrhaging, seizures and subdural hematomas.
The Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury Are Varied
These injuries can seriously alter a person’s life and in some instances, individuals are not able to resume the same kind of work they did before the accident. More minor forms of TBI often result in the person experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, short-term memory loss, attention loss, depression, and personality changes.
The physical damage caused by TBI can be severe and certainly life-altering, but there are other effects as well, such as the mental and emotional effect the injuries can have on a person’s friends and family. Hospital stays, medical treatment and the overall stress of dealing with a serious injury can place strain on everyone who cares about the injured person.
Many Traumatic Brain Injuries Are not Detected Immediately
One of the dangerous things about TBI is that is often goes unnoticed. For this reason, if you are in a cycling accident it is best to immediately go to the hospital to receive medical care. The doctors at the hospital will be able to do a full assessment and detect any signs and injuries that may indicate TBI.
If you are ever in the unfortunate situation where you are seriously injured in a bicycle accident, seek immediate medical attention. In the event that you sustain a serious blow to the head, such medical attention can be life-saving. If you find yourself needing legal expertise after your accident, the personal injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth would be happy to discuss your case with you. Call us at 613 233-4529.
