If you’re like most people, car accident injuries bring to mind broken bones, lacerations, whiplash and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In some people, however, they can cause other serious and sudden health events, like a stroke.
There are several different kinds of strokes. All involve a blockage or rupture that prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain. Strokes vary in severity. Massive strokes, if they aren’t fatal, can cause serious long-term impairments to mobility, speech, cognition and more.
The most common types of stroke
The three primary types of strokes are:
- Ischemic stroke: This is where either a blood clot or plaque buildup causes a blockage of an artery that moves blood and oxygen to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This is where a blood vessel bursts or leaks and causes excess blood to go to the brain
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes known as a “mini-stroke,” this is when a blood clot develops in or near the brain. It’s called “transient” because it doesn’t last more than a few minutes until normal blood flow resumes.
While a TIA isn’t considered as serious as the other two, it could be a warning sign of a more serious strokes in the future. If you’re involved in a crash, you could be suffering a lot of painful and frightening symptoms. If you’ve suffered a stroke, it’s reasonable that you and others (including first responders and doctors) may not recognize that at first.
Strokes can be mistaken for other injuries
Symptoms of a stroke can be mistaken for those associated with brain and spinal cord injuries. A stroke can cause:
- Paralysis or other problems with mobility and coordination – often on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking and/or difficulty recognizing words
- Sensory losses to vision or hearing
- Seizures
- Cognitive issues
It’s crucial to get immediate medical attention so a doctor can determine the cause of the symptoms.
Most people don’t suffer a stroke in a car crash. However, if you’re already at a higher-than-average risk, either due to medical conditions like high blood pressure, lifestyle choices like diet and smoking or simply a genetic predisposition, the sudden impact and stress of a crash could bring one on.
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke as the result of a vehicle crash, you could be looking at lifetime consequences. Everyone recovers differently from a stroke. That’s why it’s crucial not to settle for less compensation than you need in the long term. With sound legal guidance, you can work to protect your right to fair compensation for your expenses and other damages.