Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Doctors may classify TBIs based on severity or on how much the injury is likely to impact function. The way the injury happened can also be used to classify a TBI. The most common types of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Concussions. This form of TBI occurs when the brain is jolted inside the skull. It often happens after a fall, bump, or hit to the head. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. Most patients recover fully with proper rest.
• Contusion. A contusion is a bruise on the brain, usually caused by a direct impact. This can result in swelling and bleeding, possibly leading to more serious symptoms. Contusions require immediate medical attention and may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
• Penetrating injury. This type of TBI happens when an object, such as a bullet or piece of sharp debris, pierces the skull and damages the brain directly. Penetrating injuries may require immediate surgery and long-term treatment.
• Closed brain injury. This is the opposite of a penetrating injury. In a closed brain injury, the skull is not damaged or pierced—all the damage occurs to the brain. Closed brain injuries happen due to shaking, jolts, and hits to the head. A concussion and diffuse axonal injury are two examples of a closed brain injury.
• Diffuse axonal injury. A diffuse axonal injury happens when the brain moves quickly back and forth inside the skull, causing lesions on the brain and damage to the brain’s nerve fibers. This type of injury often results in coma and serious complications.
• Acquired brain injury (ABI). This type of injury happens when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or is impacted by something other than a physical impact. ABIs can be caused by birth injuries and other types of medical malpractice, infections, strokes, strangulation caused by dangerous products, and other issues. Not everyone considers ABIs to be traumatic brain injuries, but it’s important to know that these types of injuries can still result in impairment and can still make you eligible for a legal claim.
• Second impact syndrome. When you suffer an initial head injury, even a mild one, you’re at risk if you hit your head again. A second head injury before you’ve healed from the first can lead to serious complications. Athletes are especially vulnerable to second impact syndrome, because they may be eager to return to play after sustaining a concussion.

Without medical evaluation, you can’t be sure whether you have a mild concussion or a serious TBI. Whenever you fall, hit your head, or get any kind of possible head injury, it’s important to speak to a physician or medical provider who can evaluate you.

Common Symptoms of a TBI

Every head injury and patient are different, so TBIs can show up with a variety of symptoms. The most common ones include the following.

• Headaches
• Disorientation and confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Trouble balancing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Irritability and mood swings
• Feelings of sadness
• Personality changes
• Memory problems
• Cognitive issues
• Changes in sleep habits
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

It’s not uncommon for someone to have no symptoms at first, which is why it’s so important to get a medical evaluation if you suspect even a mild concussion. It’s not uncommon for someone to hit their head, feel “fine” and only develop headaches and other symptoms later. By that time, it’s a medical emergency because the brain is swelling inside the skull. It may be too late for life-saving treatment if a patient waits until symptoms develop or become severe.

Common Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are more common than many people realize. According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), one in 60 Americans has a permanent disability related to a TBI. Annually, about 50,000 Americans die due to traumatic brain injuries.

Those most at risk are between the ages of 15-24, though young children and seniors are also more vulnerable to TBIs.

Long Term Effects of a TBI

One of the biggest challenges of traumatic brain injury is that in severe cases the effects are permanent. Those who suffer from permanent disability because of a TBI can experience:

• Cognitive difficulties. Some people with a TBI may struggle with memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. They may have trouble with language and communication, too. They might find it hard to concentrate on tasks or remember important information, which can affect their ability to work and complete everyday tasks.
• Personality changes. Some TBIs can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Some patients feel more irritable or have difficulty controlling their emotions. Others experience changes in their personality, so that someone can act out of character and become more impulsive. Personality and mood changes can be frustrating. They can also lead to relationship problems that leave TBI patients feeling isolated.
• Physical challenges. Some people living with a TBI report ongoing weakness, coordination issues, or balance problems. These issues can make it hard for patients to care for themselves or to work.
• Sensitivity. People who have had a TBI may experience sensory sensitivity, especially to light or noise. They may also have changes in vision or hearing. Sensory sensitivity can make it hard to spend time in social environments or workplaces. This in turn can mean some people with TBI are worried about leaving their homes and are at risk of isolation.
• Sleep disorders. For some TBI patients, changes in sleep are temporary, but for others excessive sleepiness or insomnia persist. Sleep disorders can lead to serious fatigue, which can make any cognitive and memory problems worse and can make it hard to concentrate.

Researchers are still learning about all the long-term effects of TBIs and especially repeat head injuries. For example, current research shows that people with even a mild TBI have twice the risk of self-harm and suicide when compared with those who have never head a head injury. Researchers are still studying this, but early studies suggest that even so-called mild head injuries can have more severe and long-term effects than was previously thought.