Talk and die syndrome is a rare condition that occurs after a person suffers head trauma from a fall or motor vehicle accident. Outwardly they may appear fine. Since they don’t feel hurt, they may make the mistake of going home instead of seeking medical treatment.
Tragically, the undiagnosed head trauma results in exacerbated neurological damage and death.
What Causes Talk and Die Syndrome?
This fatal condition is caused by an internal head injury. A closed head injury (such as a brain bleed), a concussion, or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can all lead to serious and life-threatening effects.
Since TBIs are internal, they often aren’t immediately obvious. Some brain injury victims don’t lose consciousness (or don’t remember blacking out).
Since nothing seems physically wrong on the outside, a victim may make the mistake of thinking they can walk off the car or motorcycle accident. However, an untreated brain injury only grows more deadly over time.
A small bleed could grow larger. A cascade of chemical and inflammatory changes may take place in the hours and days following the traumatic event. A TBI is a process, not a one-time event.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
No matter how “okay” you feel, always go to the doctor after a wreck. They may notice something you don’t. At the very least, it puts them on notice that something serious happened to you, and they can follow up to see how you’re feeling later.
Concussion and head trauma experts advise victims to watch for any delayed TBI symptoms in the days and weeks after an auto accident. If signs of a brain injury do appear, seek prompt medical care.
Any injury to the brain, no matter how “minor” it may seem, should be taken seriously from the start. Ignoring the problem could leave you with lifelong complications that may never go away.
How to Tell If Someone Has Suffered a Concussion
The moments after a crash can feel surreal and hectic. Most people will be focused on the status of their limbs and whether they have suffered any external injuries.
Even if they appear physically fine, listen to what they say and evaluate if it makes sense. Ask simple questions to check their mental status, such as:
- Where are we right now?
- What day is it?
- Where were you going?
- What do you remember just prior to the impact?
- Do you remember what happened in the crash?
If the person gives any strange answers or doesn’t appear to make sense, they may have suffered a TBI. Other ways to tell that a brain injury may have occurred include:
- Appearing dazed or stunned
- Confusion
- Clumsy movements
- Slurred or slow speech
- Fainting or losing consciousness
- Mood swings
- Unable to remember events before, during, or after the impact
If the victim’s condition or symptoms dramatically change, get immediate medical advice. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Protecting Your Loved Ones
Be vigilant for signs of concussion or TBI after a severe accident. If you or a loved one experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, or difficulty concentrating after a crash, it is vital you see a doctor for help.
Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help after a traumatic car or motorcycle crash get compensation for the medical treatment you need. In the unfortunate situation where the victim passed away from an undiagnosed brain injury, we can assist the family with filing a wrongful death claim.
If you have questions about a traumatic brain injury after a car accident or talk-and-die syndrome, speak with one of our experienced accident lawyers about your case. Call 770-934-8000 any time, day or night, for a free consultation.
We understand how urgent brain injuries are and will fight to protect your rightful settlement from the insurance companies.
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