What Is Talk And Die Syndrome?

What Is Talk And Die Syndrome?

After a car accident, you may have injuries you are unaware of. For example, did you know you could initially have a brain injury with few symptoms? This injury is sometimes referred to as ‘talk and die’ syndrome. Learn more about this condition in this article, and talk to our Cook County personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., if you have legal questions.

Talk And Die Syndrome Overview

Talk and Die Syndrome can occur when a car accident victim has head trauma but does not get immediate medical attention. The person may feel fine and acts normally, but the untreated head injury may lead to brain damage and sometimes death.

While some may consider Talk and Die Syndrome an Internet myth, the condition is real but relatively uncommon. However, the condition stresses how serious many head injuries can be even if you feel fine after the incident. Unfortunately, the life-threatening effects of some traumatic brain injuries (TBI), closed head injuries, and concussions may not be evident to you right away. No matter how minor you think the trauma to your head was, it should be taken seriously.

Who Was Natasha Richardson?

One of the most famous examples of Talk and Die Syndrome was actress Natasha Richardson, who died from a head injury in 2009. The actress was skiing on a slight slope with her child when she fell and struck her head. After the accident, she spoke to others, laughed, and did not get medical attention. A few hours later, she went to the hospital because she had a headache. There, she lapsed into a coma and died. The autopsy showed that she had an epidural hematoma.

An epidural hematoma can happen from blunt force trauma, such as a slip and fall or a car accident. It causes bleeding in the brain that may not produce symptoms immediately. Instead, blood may slowly accumulate in the narrow space between the skull and brain, eventually leading to neuroglial damage and sometimes death.

The impact that Ms. Richardson experienced on the ski slope was less than what many people have in minor car accidents. So, remember that even a ‘minor’ car accident can  cause serious injuries, including to the brain.

Always Get Medical Attention After An Accident

Talk and Die Syndrome, while rare, illustrates the importance of seeing a doctor after a car accident. Even if you believe you are uninjured, you could have a severe injury you initially overlooked. Going to the doctor to be reviewed can be the difference between a full recovery and dying from a preventable injury.

Call Our Cook County Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Were you or a loved one hurt in an accident with untreated head trauma? If so, talk and die syndrome could leave you with severe cognitive deficits. However, if someone’s negligence caused the accident, our personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. can help. Contact our Cook County personal injury lawyers today at (847) 395-2200.

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