Can Car Accidents Cause Seizures?

More Car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Head trauma may occur in a collision, potentially causing seizures. If you have been injured in a car crash, trust the Mike Hostilo Law Firm to provide the trusted legal counsel you need. Attorney Mike Hostilo and our team of car […]

Published: September 5, 2022

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Car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Head trauma may occur in a collision, potentially causing seizures.

If you have been injured in a car crash, trust the Mike Hostilo Law Firm to provide the trusted legal counsel you need. Attorney Mike Hostilo and our team of car accident lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve, so contact us today.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure may occur when the brain’s normal electrical activity is altered or disrupted due to head trauma. Symptoms include violent shaking and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Some people experiencing seizures even lose consciousness. Other symptoms may include loss of bladder/bowel control, clenching of teeth, unusual sounds, and more.

What's the Difference Between Seizure and Epilepsy?

Many individuals wonder what factors differentiate a seizure from epilepsy. While a seizure is a single event, epilepsy refers to a neurological condition defined by repeated seizure activity.

Do Car Accidents Cause Seizures?

Yes, because head trauma is possible, car crashes may cause seizures. If the collision causes a violent shaking of the head, the brain may make contact with the skull and disrupt its electrical activity. This may also occur if the car accident victim hits their head against the dashboard, steering wheel, etc. A protective layer around the brain protects it in most cases, but sudden jarring movements may cause the brain to hit the skull. That is why a seizure may, in fact, point to a serious traumatic brain injury.

How Long Does a Seizure Last?

There are two types of seizures that may occur after a car crash: early-onset seizures and late seizures. Early onset seizures occur soon after an auto accident, often within 24 hours. Keep in mind that about one in four people with early-onset seizures will have another one in the months or years to come. Late seizures occur days, weeks, or months after brain trauma. About 80% of those who experience late seizures after a traumatic brain injury will have another one.

Common Brain Injuries Associated with Seizures

Seizures may result from any kind of brain trauma, including injuries like these:

Blunt head trauma
Skull fractures
Mild traumatic brain injury
Open head wounds
Brain bleeds
Brain/skull penetration

Common Types of Seizures After Car Accidents

There are two main types of seizures. Here’s the breakdown:

Generalized seizure

This type of seizure begins in one area of the brain before spreading to other areas. While some experience convulsions, others may simply look dazed and unaware of what is happening.

Partial seizure

Partial seizures only impact a small part of the brain. In most cases, partial seizures do not cause convulsions – but may instead cause the person to have an uncontrollable emotional outburst or an altered sense of smell or taste. They may be conscious or unconscious during the episode. Other symptoms involve waking abruptly from sleep, bed wetting, sleepwalking, and more.

Do I Need a Medical Exam After a Car Accident That Results in Head Trauma?

Yes, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after your car crash if head trauma is suspected. Diagnostic imaging tests, like MRIs and EEGs, are typically used to reach a diagnosis. An MRI offers an in-depth look at the brain, while an EEG can be used to determine which type of seizure occurred. This information is used to create a treatment plan – and to put car crash victims on the path to recovery.

Can I Get Compensation for Injuries After a Car Accident?

The physical impact can be quite painful, however, processing your claim doesn’t have to be. With a skilled personal injury attorney, you can get compensation on matters like medical bills, car repairs, and pain & suffering.

This is when a call with Attorney Mike Hostilo and our skilled legal team is vital. Having an experienced car accident lawyer means you have a strong advocate on your side when facing the insurance company. We all know how exhausting that can be – so allow us to successfully manage the claim for you.

Plus, you only pay us if we win your case. A true stress-free experience!

Our team can manage your case from beginning to end while you focus on your physical and mental health after your traumatic accident. So, remove any more stress and hire a skilled lawyer to make your experience easier.