The blood vessels play an important role in the body because they carry vital oxygen and nutrients from the heart and lungs to every cell in every organ. Some blood vessels are more significant than others and tears of these large blood vessels can very quickly cause someone to bleed to death.
Two of the most critical arteries are the carotid arteries, which supply oxygen to the brain. Carotid artery rupture in an auto accident can be deadly. According to statistics published on PubMed:
- Injury to carotid arteries is seen in about one out of every 25 cases of blunt trauma.
- Trauma to carotid arteries can lead to a stroke in 60 percent of all cases.
- The mortality rate of a carotid artery tear is between about 20 and 40 percent.
- Many cases of carotid artery tears are asymptomatic until it is too late.
- Traumatic dissections are more common in younger patients. However, carotid dissections overall are more common in older patients.
These statistics serve as a warning as to just how serious carotid artery dissections and tears can be. A carotid artery rupture in an auto accident (or any other traumatic accident) can be particularly severe and can cause someone to bleed to death quickly.
A Research Study: Risk Factors of a Carotid Artery Rupture
Recently, a research study was completed looking at carotid artery ruptures in auto accidents. According to the researchers, certain risk factors can increase the chances of someone suffering a severe rupture of the carotid artery. These include:
- Coronary artery disease was seen in a third of patients with a rupture of a carotid artery.
- High blood pressure, called hypertension, was seen in more than half of all patients.
- Elevated cholesterol was seen in more than a quarter of all cases.
- Smoking was seen in close to half of all individuals who suffered a ruptured carotid.
Those who have any of the comorbidities mentioned above are at a higher risk of suffering a rupture of a carotid artery in an auto accident.
Clinical Presentation of a Carotid Artery Rupture
According to the research study, when someone sustains a rupture of a carotid artery, only about 10 percent of individuals actually present with immediate symptoms. However, the vast majority of cases do show some symptoms within about 24 hours of the trauma event. Some of the presenting signs and symptoms include:
- A stroke
- Pinpoint pupils
- A drooping eyelid on the injured side
- A loss of sweating around the affected area
Keep in mind that a stroke can present in any number of different ways depending on the location of the stroke. The other symptoms often result from swelling that occurs in a carotid artery called a hematoma. This hematoma presses on the nerve that controls all of those functions, leading to the symptoms. Often, those who have suffered this severe blood vessel injury in auto accidents have numerous other injuries as well.
Help from a Lawyer
Auto accidents cause carotid artery rupture. When someone sustains such a serious injury, there are long-term complications that could develop. When this involves a carotid artery, the brain may have been deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time. This can lead to a loss of motor and sensory function that may make it difficult for someone to return to work, placing the family under a significant amount of stress. It is a good idea for everyone to meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento following a serious accident. The details of the crash should be reviewed to ensure that nothing has been missed. You and your family could be entitled to receive financial compensation.
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Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A tear of a carotid artery can be fatal. If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I would be happy to offer friendly, free advice.
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Auto Accidents Cause Carotid Artery Rupture: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The image at the beginning of this page was seen first on Unsplash. The picture has been printed here with permission.
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