Auto Accidents Causing Smell Issues
Auto Accidents Causing Smell Issues. Even though there has been a lot of research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, countless families are torn apart from head and brain injuries every year. Auto accidents causing smell issues can result from traumatic brain injuries. Based on some of the information that has been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- In 2013 alone, there were close to three million people who visited the emergency department for injuries to the head and brain.
- A head injury was listed as a factor in the cause of death of around 50,000 people.
- A head or brain injury was listed as the diagnosis and reason for admission to about 300,000 hospital stays.
These statistics show just how serious brain injuries can be. When people have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, there are different types of symptoms that they might notice. These include:
- A headache
- Loss of consciousness
- A loss of certain motor or sensory functions
- Sensitivity to lights and sounds
- Changes in personality
One symptom that is often overlooked is problems related to the sense of smell. This can sometimes occur in an auto accident.
Mechanism of Loss of Sense of Smell in an Auto Accident
The sense of smell is controlled by the first cranial nerve, called the olfactory nerve. This is one of twelve different cranial nerves that all control different functions. The nerve originates in the brain and travels throughout the skull until it reaches the nose. There is a part of the nose called the olfactory bulb which helps regulate the sense of smell. When people are involved in an auto accident, their head could impact the steering wheel or the dashboard. This can lead to a brain injury which can damage the olfactory nerve. The injury can lead to anosmia, which is the loss of sense of smell.
Quality of Life Issues Related to Anosmia
Auto accidents causing smell issues can lead to significant quality of life difficulties. The most serious is the impact that this has on people’s taste buds. While the two may not seem related, the inability to smell can severely impact the way that food tastes. Some people may have noticed this when they had a severe cold and couldn’t smell anything. When food tastes different, people often do not enjoy eating. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies resulting in serious side effects. Traumatic anosmia is not to be taken lightly.
Watch YouTube Video: Millions Affected by Loss of Smell. In this CBS news clip, Dr. Lisa Liberatore and her patient Jennifer Rhodes discuss symptoms and treatment options for those experiencing a loss of smell.
With the Assistance of a Lawyer
Auto accidents causing smell issues can impact many different areas of people’s lives. Sometimes, the loss of sense of smell is only the first of many complications resulting from a traumatic brain injury. When this happens, it is vital for everyone to ask for help. A personal injury lawyer in Sacramento understands the impacts that a brain injury can have on someone’s family. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance because you and your family could be entitled to financial compensation.
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Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer. The inability to smell can lead to severe impacts on someone’s quality of life. 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 my free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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