Types of Brain Injury

Sustaining a brain injury is a life-altering event. Brain injuries often happen as a result of trauma like car accidents. These injuries can lead to debilitating health issues. A brain injury can also need expensive medical treatment and possibly prevent you from returning to a normal life.

This article discusses the difference between a traumatic and acquired brain injury. It also addresses the many types of brain injuries that qualify as traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic Versus Acquired Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) comes from external head trauma, like a blow to the head. This type of head injury is often the result of auto accidents or falls.

An acquired brain injury happens at a cellular level. It often stems from medical conditions like strokes or tumors. Both TBIs and acquired brain injuries can result in significant brain damage, affecting a victim's life in many ways.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

There are many types of injuries that constitute traumatic brain injuries. These include:

• Concussions
• Contusions
• Contrecoup brain injuries
• Diffuse axonal injuries
• Skull fractures

We'll discuss each of these types of traumatic brain injuries in greater detail below.

Concussion

A concussion, the most common type of TBI, often happens in car accidents, where the force of the impact causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, memory loss, and confusion.

A concussion can result in persistent neurological problems that significantly affect a victim's quality of life. Legally, if you've suffered a concussion due to another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and more.

Contusion

A contusion is a bruise, which can be on brain tissue. It often results from a direct impact to the head. For instance, a contusion might form after hitting your head on the steering wheel in a car crash. A large contusion may need surgical removal.

Contusions cause pain and swelling and also cause blood vessels to break. Symptoms of a contusion include:

• Cognitive changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tingling and numbness
• Trouble speaking

Contrecoup Brain Injury

A contrecoup injury happens when the force of impact is so great that the brain strikes the opposite side of the skull. This results in injuries on the opposite side (contrecoup) of the head.

For instance, a contrecoup injury might arise if you fall and slip on a wet floor, hitting your head when you fall. Victims of contrecoup brain injuries may face long-term effects, including cognitive issues and physical impairments.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) is a severe TBI in which the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the brain inside the skull causes tears in the axons (the brain's nerve fibers). DAIs can cause permanent brain damage and can be life-threatening.

Proving DAI often requires advanced imaging techniques. Still, due to the severity of these injuries, a confirmed diagnosis can substantiate a claim for significant damages.

Skull Fractures

Skull fractures, as the name suggests, involve a break in the skull bone. The most common causes of skull fractures include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Physical assault
• A blow to the head with an object

Fractures can lead to other complications like hematomas (blood clots) or damage to the brain tissue.

The long-term effects of a skull fracture can include:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Balance and coordination challenges

Seek Legal Help After a Brain Injury

Dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury is stressful. The combination of medical attention, medical bills, potential life-altering implications, and the associated legal complexities can be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury and don't know what legal remedies you might have after an accident, you don't have to navigate your next steps alone. Personal injury lawyers are there to help. Many lawyers offer a free case evaluation. An experienced attorney can guide you through your personal injury case.