To function normally, your brain requires a steady supply of nutrient-rich and oxygenated blood. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, stroke is a serious medical condition that happens when something interrupts the flow of blood to the brain.
Hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and even smoking can increase your risk of having a potentially catastrophic stroke. You should realize, though, that a motor vehicle accident also can cause you to have one.
Accident-related injuries
If you have a car crash, it is imperative to visit the emergency room for a medical evaluation. After all, even if you appear to be fine, you might have serious injuries that do not appear immediately. You also might have an elevated risk of having a stroke.
Accident-related injuries, including whiplash, can interfere with the way blood flows into the brain. Specifically, even if you have an otherwise minor injury, your injury might have caused damage to a major blood vessel. Without urgent medical care, a stroke might be imminent.
Accident-related stress
As you undoubtedly know, car accidents can be almost unbelievably stressful. This is true with severe crashes and minor fender-benders alike.
During stressful events, the heart pumps blood faster. Meanwhile, in response to stress, the levels of fats and sugars in the blood increase. The combination of these factors can cause blood clots to form. If a blood clot clogs a blood vessel that feeds the brain, a stroke can occur.
Ultimately, if you suffer a stroke during or after a car accident, you might have grounds to pursue substantial financial compensation from the driver who caused the collision.