Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is a potentially severe injury that individuals could suffer in a traumatic accident. The septum is the thin wall of tissue that divides the two sides of the nasal passages. While some individuals might be born with a deviated septum, others could suffer this injury in a traumatic accident. Some of the mechanisms include:
- Suffering trauma to the nose in an auto accident
- A bicycle accident involving an impact to the face
- An injury suffered while playing sports
- A slip and fall injury
It is important for everyone to understand the signs of a deviated septum and how the injury is treated.
The Symptoms of a Deviated Septum
If someone has a deviation in their nasal septum, the airflow through the nose could be obstructed. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, the symptoms will vary. Some of the problems that might arise include:
- An obstruction of airflow in one nostril which becomes worse during a cold or with seasonal allergies
- More frequent nosebleeds due to the disruption of the nasal surface
- Pain in the face that could stem from nerve damage
- Snoring during sleep
When these symptoms arise, they could lead to respiratory distress. The treatment of a septal deviation can help alleviate these symptoms.
The Treatment Options
The diagnosis of a septal deviation is straightforward. Often, the issue is apparent on a simple physical exam. Imaging might be ordered to get a better picture of the degree of the deviation and to look for associated injuries. Once the condition has been diagnosed, surgery is often used to shift the septum back into its proper position. Sometimes, allergy medicine and decongestants can help improve symptoms prior to surgery. The prognosis of this injury will depend on the degree of the deviation. Often, the shape of the nose changes slightly during the procedure. Most individuals tolerate the surgery well and experience a full recovery.
Watch YouTube Video: Deviated Septum Surgery. This animated video demonstrates how the surgery is performed to correct a deviated septum.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Like other injuries, a deviated septum can range in severity. While some people might not have any symptoms at all from their septal deviation, others could have significant difficulties breathing. They might need surgery. Under these circumstances, families could be feeling a significant degree of stress. It is important for every family to make sure that their questions are answered. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can help individuals and their loved ones through a tough situation. Some of the ways that an injury lawyer could help include:
- Reviewing the records from the accident to ensure that all details are considered
- Helping families pursue damages stemming from the injury, its complications, and even pain and suffering
- Moving a case to trial when necessary
No family should have to face this situation alone. Rely on the professional assistance of a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. You could deserve a financial settlement.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. If an individual suffers a deviated septum, they might require surgery to repair their nasal bridge. If your loved one has suffered a severe injury to the nose in a motor vehicle collision, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am honored to be a lawyer in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
My guests are always welcome to take a look at our verdicts or settlements.
All of my guests should visit Yelp, Avvo, & Google to look through our client summaries.
Photo Attribution: The image that was placed at the top of this page was located first on Pixabay.
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