Getting into a motorcycle crash can result in hefty injuries regardless of whether you are wearing appropriate safety gear or not. A helmet can help protect you to some degree, but motorcyclists in general are at much larger risk of brain trauma and head injuries.
In these cases, brain injuries – especially traumatic ones – are often dangerous to the point of being deadly.
The impact of brain trauma on a victim
Mayo Clinic takes a look at potential signs of traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, these signs will manifest quickly and be easy to identify. In others, you might have a harder time pinpointing them.
TBIs should receive immediate medical care due to the potential for permanent or even lethal damage, though. You want to keep an eye out for disordered states of consciousness, in particular. You should also look out for unevenly dilated pupils. If you notice clear fluid draining from the ears or nose, this is an immediate sign of danger, too.
Potential health risks
What makes a TBI so deadly? Several factors can increase its lethality. For one, internal bleeding can occur within the brain. This can cause blood clots which make lead to a stroke. It can also deprive certain parts of the brain oxygen, leading to irreversible cell death.
Swelling of the brain may also occur. As with brain bleeding, this can potentially cut off the supply of oxygen to certain areas of the brain. This can lead to stroke, seizures, permanent brain damage and death.
It is sometimes impossible to tell outwardly how bad the internal damage of a TBI is. For this reason, anyone suffering the symptoms after a motorcycle crash should seek immediate medical help.