No-Fault

What are common car accident injuries?

Although it’s possible to sustain a wide range of injuries in a motor vehicle accident, head and spine injuries are by far the most common type of accident-related trauma. Two of the most common accident injuries that Dr. Hussman sees at CitiMed Comprehensive TBI Center are:

Concussion

Concussions can be caused by either a direct bump, hit, or blow to the head, or by the rapid back-and-forth movement of your brain inside your skull. When your brain shifts, bounces, or even twists inside your skull, it creates chemical changes in the organ that lead to abnormal function. In some cases, a concussion-causing injury may also stretch and damage your brain cells.

Many concussions have subtle symptoms that emerge slowly. When they do appear, they can last for days, weeks, or even months. Common concussion symptoms include:

• Headache or neck pain
• Increased head pressure
• Confusion, fatigue, or a dazed feeling
• Dizziness or seeing stars
• Ringing in your ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech or a delayed verbal response

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in auto accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It happens when your head is forcefully thrown back and forth, causing the quick and uncontrollable movement of your neck that makes your spine move rapidly, much like the cracking of a whip.

Whiplash typically causes trauma to the discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and surrounding tissues in your neck. Although symptoms don’t always appear immediately following an accident, many people who sustain a neck injury develop some symptoms within 24 hours of the trauma. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Decreased range of motion
• Headaches that start at the base of your skull
• Tingling or numbness in your arms

Why would I need an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is used to create a clear, detailed picture of virtually any internal organ or structure in the body, including the spine and brain. Dr. Hussman uses a special MRI scanning technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to help diagnose brain injuries that aren’t readily apparent on a routine MRI.

What is a CT scan used for?

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray technology with advanced computer technology to produce clear images of your bones, organs, and soft tissues. Following a traumatic injury, it may be used to detect skull fractures, as well as bleeding or swelling in the brain.