What Are the Causes and Effects of Brain Stem Injuries?

April 12, 2022 | Brain Injuries

What Are the Causes and Effects of Brain Stem Injuries?

Brain stem injuries are incredibly harmful. They can have severe and lasting impacts on the lives of victims.  

There are many common causes of this type of personal injury, and victims often face life-changing consequences.

What Are Common Causes of Brain Stem Injuries?

Each instance of brain stem damage involves a unique set of factors. Still, certain accidents often result in this type of injury more than others. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

The leading cause of brain stem injuries is motor vehicle accidents. In particular, motorcycle collisions often result in head injuries—including damage to the brain stem. 

It is vital to use the available safety features when traveling by car, truck, or motorcycle. Studies have shown that the following equipment helps to prevent injuries: 

  • Seat belts
  • Helmets
  • Airbags 

These safety features decrease the chances that the driver’s neck will experience hyper-flexion—extreme and fast motions of the neck—which can damage the brain stem.

Falling Accidents

Slip and fall accidents (or trip and fall accidents) can also result in severe brain stem injuries. When someone falls from a high elevation, landing on their head or neck can cause catastrophic damage.  

Brain stem injuries can result when the victim falls from: 

  • A tree
  • An elevated window
  • A ladder
  • A rooftop
  • Scaffolding 

No matter the circumstances of a falling accident, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially true if you have hurt your head during the fall. 

Young children are especially likely to sustain injuries from falling. This is because they are often engaged in sports and other physical activities, and their coordination shifts as they continue to grow. 

Children may sustain brain stem injuries when falling: 

  • While skateboarding
  • While riding a bicycle
  • From tall playground equipment
  • When riding a horse 

Contact sports, such as football, can also cause accidents resulting in brain stem injuries. For this reason, children should wear protective headgear when engaging in extreme physical activities.

What Are the Effects of a Brain Stem Injury?

Most brain stem injuries result from a jolt or blow to the victim’s body or head. Damage to the brain stem can have long-lasting and wide-ranging physical and psychological consequences.  

If you have been involved in an accident and sustained a blow to the head, it is critical to look out for the common signs of brain injuries. 

Some of the typical symptoms of mild traumatic brain injuries, also known as “concussions,” include: 

  • Persistent headache
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Drowsiness, fatigue, and tiredness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness
  • And more 

Many brain stem injuries are severe and cause devastating symptoms. 

Moderate and severe brain injuries can result in the following symptoms: 

  • Unconsciousness for minutes or hours
  • Gradually worsening headache
  • Nausea and repeated vomiting
  • Seizures and convulsions
  • Unexplained pupil dilation
  • Inability to awaken when sleeping
  • Weakness or loss of feeling in the toes and fingers
  • Lack of coordination
  • Confusion and uncertainty
  • Inability to speak clearly
  • Long-term loss of consciousness or coma
  • Combativeness, agitation, and other mood shifts 

If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms following an accident, seek medical care immediately.

Contact an Award-Winning Pennsylvania Brain Injury Lawyer For Help

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in Harrisburg or elsewhere in the state of Pennsylvania, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates. Our award-winning Harrisburg Brain Injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight to secure the financial award you may deserve. Please contact us at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963