Those who are involved in car accidents on Georgia roads or highways may experience skull fractures. A skull fracture can be categorized as simple, linear or depressed, and it will be labeled as a compound fracture if it causes your skin to break. Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of this type of injury and what a doctor might do to diagnose one.
How a skull fracture is diagnosed
The doctor who treats you will use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine if you have suffered damage to the brain. He or she might order a CT scan or MRI to gather other evidence to confirm a diagnosis of a brain jury that. A full-body exam will also be conducted to get a more accurate picture of your current condition. Typically, part of the exam will involve shining a light in your eye to see how the pupil reacts. If the pupil shrinks, it could be a clue that a lesion is present.
The symptoms of a skull fracture
Common symptoms of a skull fracture or other types of brain injuries include a headache, difficulty balancing and slurred speech. You may also have trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing or hear a ringing in your ears. Finally, you might feel drowsy, have trouble seeing or feel numbness in one or more parts of the body.
How to minimize the risk of a skull fracture
You may be able to minimize the risk of a skull fracture by wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or wearing a seat belt while driving a car. Furthermore, it is never a good idea to drive a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you experience a serious injury such as a skull fracture in a car accident, it may be possible to seek compensation from the responsible motorist. A personal injury attorney might negotiate a settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.