What Should I Know About Brain Stem Injuries?

medical professional looking at brain scans

It’s no secret that being involved in an accident can flip your world upside down. However, when you are involved in an incident that leads to brain stem damage, it can impact you for the rest of your life. As such, understanding how these accidents happen and the complications you may endure as a result is critical. Additionally, you’ll learn why you must connect with an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you or a loved one have sustained a serious brain injury as the result of another party’s negligence. Keep reading to learn what you must know about these matters.

How Do Brain Stem Injuries Happen?

Unfortunately, injuries to the brain stem can occur in several ways. Generally, these can occur as the result of an accident causing trauma to the brain or because of complications associated with traumatic accidents.

For example, if you are involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or are the victim of medical malpractice, you may sustain brain stem damage as a result. Additionally, if you experience a heart attack because of the stress of being involved in an accident, this medical event can cause brain stem damage.

What Complications Are Associated?

Your brain stem is the part of the organ that transmits signals to the rest of your body as it is attached to your spinal cord. As such, damage to this part of the brain can have devastating impacts.

Because the bridge between your brain and the rest of your body is no longer functioning as intended because of the accident you were involved in, you may find your motor skills impacted. For example, you may have difficulty moving, balancing, or controlling facial expressions. It’s not uncommon for those who experience this type of injury to also suffer from paralysis.

In addition to difficulty with your motor skills, you may find that you can suffer respiratory issues as a result. One part of your brain stem is responsible for controlling your breathing, and if it becomes damaged, you may suffer several respiratory problems, like apnea, hyperventilation, or apenuistic breathing.

What Should I Do if I’m Hurt?

If you are hurt in an accident, even if you feel okay immediately after, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you can catch and treat a brain stem injury, the greater your chances of mitigating the damages associated with these injuries.

A brain stem injury can have a devastating impact on your life. If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of another party’s negligence, whether it’s a distracted driver, negligent property owner, or unsafe workplace, you should connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

At Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC, our dedicated legal team can help you through these complex matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist your case.

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