To function normally, the brain needs a steady supply of oxygenated blood. When something interrupts the flow of blood to the brain, however, a person has a stroke. While it is possible to recover completely from strokes, they are often fatal.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every eight strokes is immediately fatal. About 25% of stroke victims die within one year of having their medical emergencies. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents can cause strokes.
Stressful situations
Stressful events, like car accidents, can put pressure on blood vessels in the neck and head. Stress also can cause these vessels to break open. If either happens to you, a stroke may be unavoidable.
Common injuries
Some injuries are common in minor and moderate car accidents, including whiplash. While whiplash by itself might not be a catastrophic injury, it can have catastrophic consequences. Specifically, whiplash can interrupt blood flow, potentially causing a person to suffer a stroke during or soon after a car accident.
Complex trauma
Traumatic injuries are not exactly rare in serious car crashes. If you lose excessive amounts of blood, you might have a stroke risk. The same is true if your blood pressure drops significantly. Moreover, if you have multiple serious injuries, you may have an increased chance of suffering a stroke.
If you want to survive a stroke and recover completely, your best bet is to obtain immediate medical care. Ultimately, rather than ignoring your symptoms, it is critical to go to the hospital for comprehensive stroke treatment.
