Waking up in the midst of a collision is a shock to anyone’s system. You remember that you were driving into an intersection, but the next thing you knew, you were on the side of the road, outside your vehicle and in the care of paramedics. You’d been hit hard by a speeding driver, and you were knocked out.
One of the biggest concerns at this point is that you could have a major head injury. A traumatic brain injury can be catastrophic, especially if there is a hemorrhage. A brain hemorrhage happens when an artery bursts and bleeds. This kills brain cells and the surrounding tissues. The pressure from blood leaking into the skull can add to the damage as the space in the cranial cavity becomes limited.
How would a medical provider identify a brain bleed?
To start with, you should be taken to the emergency room immediately. A physical exam will be performed to check your eyes and pupil dilation. You’ll be spoken with because the medical providers will want to know if you are coherent. Your doctor will look for signs of a hemorrhage, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Numbness
- Tingling
- An abnormal sense of taste
- Loss of coordination
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble understanding or speaking
- Seizures
- A severe headache
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Hand tremors
Imaging scans are usually ordered after a head injury. These can include computerized tomography scans (CT scans) or magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs). Once the injury is identified, your medical provider will decide if you need surgery or other treatments to relieve pressure and help you recover. A quick diagnosis can be beneficial for this kind of injury because early treatment can help prevent secondary injuries and complications.
