It’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to lose their short-term memory after a crash (whether or not they’re wearing a helmet). However, such an injury is a side effect often unrelated to your safety equipment. In the United States, The risk of memory loss is not just a fear of losing your license or the fear of the consequences. Memory loss after a motorcyclist accident can permanently damage your brain and lead to life-long problems. Therefore, you must know how memory loss after a motorcycle accident occurs and how to prevent it from happening to you.
Unfortunately, The effects of a motorcycle accident may be long-term and devastating. Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can cause severe and long-lasting disabilities. Hospitalization may follow and after extensive treatment and supplements, including nootropics. Still, many victims experience long-term memory loss that can be permanent.
This post covers the different types of memory loss, their causes, and some principal reasons they happen frequently. So, take a cup of tea, sit comfortably, and read on.
Also Read: Motorcycle Accident Recovery Time
Is it Possible to Lose Your Memory From an Accident?
Short-term memory loss after a motorcycle accident is not uncommon and may result from various types of traumas. However, it’s crucial to remember that this memory loss is unrelated to your motorcycle safety equipment and should not cause concern.
There are three main types of short-term memory loss: transient global amnesia (TGA), retrograde amnesia, and anterograde amnesia. Each can occur due to different kinds of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents.
TGA occurs when the brain cannot consolidate memories from different body parts. It means you may not remember what happened during the crash or immediately afterward.
Retrograde amnesia typically begins two hours after an accident and involves difficulty recalling events preceding the crash. On the other hand, anterograde amnesia usually lasts for days or weeks and includes problems retrieving information learned before (anterior) or after ( Posterior) the accident.
According to The Mayo Clinic: “In general, transient global amnesia is most common; it affects about two-thirds of all motorcyclists diagnosed with the condition. Retrograde amnesia is more common in older riders and tends to be bilateral (affecting both sides of the brain). Anterograde amnesia is less common but may persist for up to a year.”
How Long Does Memory Loss Last After an Accident?
There’s no specific answer to this question since it can vary from person to person. However, most victims experience long-term memory loss after an accident. It includes difficulty recalling recent events, inability to learn new information, and problems forming new memories.
The effects of a motorcycle accident can often be permanent and debilitating. There are a few reasons why short-term memory loss can persist after an accident. The most common cause is psychological trauma, which can trigger feelings of anxiety and fear that interfere with healthy brain function. Other causes include physical injuries to the head and brain, as well as damage caused by the impact of the motorcycle on other objects or people.
Can You Get PTSD From a Motorcycle Accident?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an intensive mental disorder condition. It can develop after exposure to a trauma, such as a traumatic event involving violence or physical harm. While it’s rare for motorcycle accident victims to develop PTSD, it’s possible if you experience significant psychological distress following the crash.
If you’re concerned about your memory after an accident, don’t hesitate to seek help from an experienced therapist. They can provide individualized guidance and support in rehabilitating your impaired cognitive function.
During The Crash
When a motorcyclist crashes, the brain experiences a great deal of force. The cushion of fluid that protects the brain often absorbs most of those bumps and dings, giving riders time to avoid injury. Once your motorcycle crashes, the brain experiences a large amount of force.
In this case, the cushion protects us from the direct impact to provide backup for this force. But some more effects cause brain damage even if our heads don’t hit anything solid.
The rider’s head comes in contact with the frame and frame components after an accident. It can result in a variety of injuries including road rash from motorcycle accidents and cuts. The rider’s helmet has a protective layer that helps contain some of the force, but when the helmet is destroyed or dislodged, it may not offer additional protection against blunt force trauma.
As a result, the impact of a crash can cause serious injury to the brain, including bruising and swelling. If you’re lucky, you may suffer only bruises and swelling. If you’re unlucky, you may get a skull fracture.
A minor traumatic brain injury can have a significant, long-term impact on the victim. However, with a little TBI, it’s possible to awaken and regain consciousness reasonably quickly. It also takes longer for brain tissue damage to occur with a mild TBI than with one of more severe severity.
Mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not a typical case. It can have loss-lasting effects on your life. The head experiences a sudden and forceful event that causes damage to the skull, brain, or cerebrospinal fluid. It can result from a motorcyclist crash, falls from great heights, or assaults.
A typical scenario following a motorcycle accident would be as follows: You are riding your motorcycle when you lose control and collide with another vehicle. Your helmet would protect your head from the impact of the other car, but because of the force transmitted through your skull during that collision, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury.
A TBI can be very serious, potentially resulting in long-term memory loss and death. Don’t hesitate to call an ambulance and seek medical attention ASAP in such situations.
Since June of this year, autopsies show that brain injury cases from motorcycle accidents may increase as the rates at which riders die in these accidents grow. It is concerning because the deceased would likely have a minimum of a mild traumatic brain injury.
Here are the possible reasons for Traumatic Brain Injuries:
- You lose control of the bike, crash, and then get thrown into a car or truck.
- TBI can occur due to a blunt blow to the head or another part of the body (Indirect Force).
- When a penetrating injury to the brain occurs, the blood vessels and neurons underneath are affected. Damage to these structures may cause death from swelling of the brain or severe neurological damage.
- If another vehicle is involved, there’s a chance that your head could strike the other car’s windshield.
Symptoms of Memory Loss After Motorcycle Accident
Memory loss following motorcycle accidents is not constantly actual and varies depending on the individual. However, some signs that someone may have experienced a Memory Loss include:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
- Inability to make decisions or remember a recent event.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Headache Severe mood changes.
If you or anyone you know ever sustains a traumatic brain injury, you must see a doctor for an examination and diagnosis. Doctors may perform tests such as MRI scans or CT scans to determine the extent of the injury and any associated medical issues.
The aftermath of Traumatic Brain Injury (Memory Loss After Motorcycle Accident)
You can do many things to help cope with the aftermath of a Traumatic Brain Injury. Examples may include:
- Talking about what happened: Talking about what has happened allows others to provide emotional support. It also allows people who have sustained TBI to safely understand and relate their experiences. Additionally, talking about the event often leads to more accessible memories and better recall of important information.
- Meditation or mindfulness practice: Meditation or mindfulness practices can help induce calmness and focus following an accident. Practice regularly if possible, as it will become easier over time.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can help those with TBI to regain lost function and increase their independence. They may also support developing new coping mechanisms, such as meditation or mindfulness practices. Such therapies massively help recover memory loss After a motorcycle accident.
- Helping other injured personas: Those injured often need assistance completing everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, or feeding themselves. You can offer your time and help by Supporting them during their initial recovery period. Besides, victims may need practical assistance like showering, getting dressed, arranging for transport home, etc., when possible, Listening attentively, Showing genuine compassion, and sharing their experiences of TBI and how it has changed their life.
- Some things to avoid after a Traumatic Brain Injury: Avoid alcohol, drugs, texting, or talking on the phone while driving. These activities can lead to further injury or even death. If you or someone you know have gone through an accident, it is crucial to seek the help of a professional.