Beware of Hidden, Closed Head Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are often exposed to dangers on the road that other motorists do not encounter.  First, other motorists have more difficulty seeing motorcycles as quickly and clearly as other vehicles, which makes motorcyclists more likely to be struck.  To make matters worse, motorcyclists do not have a significant protective barrier between them and the road, or another vehicle.  If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, even if you were wearing a helmet, you must be cautious of closed head injuries, which often go undetected.
What is a “closed head” injury?
Closed head injuries, also referred to as traumatic brain injuries, are different from open head injuries in that nothing actually penetrates the brain.  Instead, a closed head injury is normally caused be a blow to the head.  Because of the nature of this type of injury, it is not easily detected.  Nevertheless, they are common and very dangerous if not diagnosed.  A closed head injury can also result in a concussion, which can have serious consequences, as well.
What is a Concussion?
The medical definition of a concussion is “a mild traumatic brain injury, usually occurring after a blow to the head.”  Contrary to what some people believe, loss of consciousness is not required for the diagnosis of a concussion.  A concussion can lead to, what is referred to as “post-concussion syndrome,” which describes the common symptoms of a concussion that can last for months.
Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome
Typically, Post-Concussion Syndrome involves headaches, dizziness, memory difficulties, weakness and nausea.  These symptoms occur in most people within the first 7-10 days following the initial trauma.  They normally subside within 3 months, but can persist as long as a year or more.  Other less common symptoms may include impaired attention, fatigue and emotional instability.  All of these symptoms can easily be dismissed by health care providers who are unfamiliar with the syndrome.
Other complications following a closed head injury
In addition to Post-Concussion Syndrome, closed head injuries can also lead to Post-Traumatic Amnesia, which is not to be confused with the brief disassociative reactions that many accident victims experience, as their mind attempts to shield them from the traumatic event.  A mild traumatic brain injury can cause dysfunction of brain cells, on a more temporary level. More serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain, which in turn, can result in long-term complications or even death.
Delayed diagnosis of closed head injuries
In many cases, motorcycle accident victims feel well enough to go home following their initial emergency room visit.  It may be several days before they visit their family physician.  That is typically when the first symptoms begin to occur.  All too often, neither the victim, nor the treating physician, will easily make the connection between the motorcycle accident and these new symptoms.  This disconnection is what often delays the diagnosis of a closed head injury.
If you have questions regarding motorcycle accidents, or any other personal injury concerns, call the Cottrell Law Office at (888) 433-4861.

Wesley Cottrell

Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.

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