Brainstem Infarct Following a Car Accident
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published statistics regarding strokes, such as a brainstem infarct. A stroke is a term used to describe the loss of blood flow to the brain. An infarct is a medical term for a blood clot. This occlusion of blood flow can lead to permanent neurological damage. Strokes can develop in a variety of ways. Some strokes develop gradually over time while others can be acute in nature, caused by a traumatic accident like car collisions. Some of the statistics that were published by the CDC include:
- Close to 800,000 people will suffer a stroke annually.
- The majority of these strokes are first-time events.
- Around 25 percent of these strokes are recurrent in nature, which means that the individual has had a stroke in the past.
- The vast majority of strokes, about 85 percent, are ischemic in nature, meaning that blood flow has been blocked.
- The remainder of the strokes is hemorrhagic, or that they are the result of a bleed inside of the brain.
- Strokes that develop from blood clots can lead to permanent medical complications or death.
It is essential for everyone to understand how blood clots can cause problems throughout the body and the brainstem specifically.
Blood Clots Stop Bleeding but can be Harmful
It is not unusual for people to develop blood clots following an auto accident. Blood clots are actually necessary because they stop bleeding. Those who have significant cuts or scrapes will need to form blood clots on the surface of their skin to prevent catastrophic blood loss. On the other hand, these blood clots can also travel to other areas of the body where they can cause problems. Even though blood clots stop bleeding on the surface of the skin, they can also choke off blood flow to vital organs. Examples of possible places that blood clots can lodge include:
- The heart, causing myocardial infarction (a heart attack).
- The lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
- The brain, where it can lead to a stroke.
Unlike other areas of the body, a stroke can lead to permanent consequences. Unlike other areas of the body, the neurons do not regenerate.
Development of a Brainstem Stroke
There are multiple locations in the brain where a stroke can develop. Depending on the location of the stroke within the brain, the symptoms are going to vary. One of the most serious places where a stroke can develop is the brainstem. Some of the signs and symptoms of a brainstem stroke include:
- Problems breathing called respiratory distress
- Difficulty speaking, often called aphasia
- Blurred vision, double vision, or blindness
- Unilateral or bilateral hearing loss
- Weakness or paralysis
- Numbness and tingling
Ultimately, a brainstem stroke can be life-threatening. For this reason, it is vital to treat a stroke as quickly as possible. Some of the treatment options for a stroke include:
- Providing supplemental oxygen
- Controlling pain with both opioid and non-opioid medications
- Surgical intervention using a wire to pull out the clot
- Using drugs to try and “bust” the clot, such as tPA.
When it comes to treating a stroke, time equals brain tissue.
The YouTube video below discusses the different types of a brain stroke, its symptoms, and treatments.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Having a family member who has suffered a stroke can be difficult. Strokes can impact someone’s quality of life in many different ways. It can change someone’s personality, cause mental health problems, and completely alter someone’s identity. This can make it hard for someone to go back to work or school. If the stroke has developed following a severe auto accident, meeting with a car accident injury attorney can help families find answers. A trained attorney can help by:
- Holding responsible parties accountable for the injuries and their consequences.
- Helping families pursue damages related to their injuries, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Taking a case to trial, if necessary.
Families should not feel alone when dealing with the consequences of a stroke after a car a accident. Meet with a car accident injury lawyer today. You and your family could receive a financial settlement.
Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A stroke or infarct that occurs in the brainstem can lead to life-threatening medical problems. If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke following a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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Brainstem Infarct Following a Car Accident: Autoaccident.com
Image Attribution: Depositphotos.com
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