According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 220,000 traumatic brain injury (TBI) related hospitalizations in 2019. The same data also noted nearly 70,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021. TBIs can have varying degrees of severity and present a range of consequences depending on the extent and location of the injury. On this page, we explore some of the most common types of TBIs. If you or someone you love has experienced a personal injury involving TBI, then consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injuries. They occur when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move within the skull. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or behavior.
While most concussions resolve within a few weeks, some individuals may experience long-term effects, such as persistent headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory impairments.
Contusions are more severe forms of concussions. These are bruises on the brain caused by direct impact or force. They can result in localized bleeding, swelling, and damage to brain tissue.
Consequences may include cognitive deficits, motor impairments, sensory disturbances, seizures, and changes in behavior or personality. The severity and long-term effects depend on the size and location of the contusion.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) is often caused by high-velocity accidents, such as car crashes or shaken baby syndrome, where the brain undergoes rapid deceleration or rotational forces. DAI can result in widespread damage to nerve fibers, leading to cognitive impairments, motor difficulties, sensory deficits, coma, or even death.
The final two types of brain injuries we’ll discuss are anoxic and hypoxic brain injuries, both involving a deprivation of oxygen to the brain.
Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. Causes include near-drowning incidents, suffocation, cardiac arrest, or severe respiratory issues. They can result in severe cognitive deficits, memory loss, difficulties with motor functions and speech, and long-term disabilities.
Hypoxic brain injuries happen when the brain receives reduced oxygen, which can occur during medical emergencies, drug overdoses, choking incidents, or complications during surgery. Hypoxic brain injuries can cause memory problems, difficulties with concentration and attention, impaired coordination, and other cognitive impairments.
Understanding the common causes and consequences of traumatic brain injuries is crucial in personal injury claims. It helps determine liability and establish the link between the injury and the negligent party's actions. It also helps calculate the damages and compensation owed to the injured party.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else's negligence, it's important to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can assess your case, gather relevant evidence, and pursue fair compensation to support your recovery and future needs. Call the Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan to get started with a FREE initial consultation.
When you slip and fall, the physical pain is often just the beginning of your troubles. Medical expenses can pile up, and the complexity of legal claims might overwhelm…
Read More
