What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?

Common Causes

Tens of millions of people worldwide are suffering from TBI every year, and the consequences can be devastating. It’s a widespread belief that traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a person receives a direct blow to the head and loses consciousness (as in a motor vehicle accident).

However, a TBI can also be caused by the brain being jolted violently in one or more directions during collision or deceleration. When this occurs, the soft tissue of the brain is damaged as it strikes the inside of the skull. This kind of damage generally implies no loss of consciousness.

TBI is caused by a variety of factors, including severe whiplash. The following are some of the most frequent reasons for TBI:

• Assaults
• Slips and falls
• Auto accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Motorcycle/bicycle accidents
• Sports and recreational accidents
• Work/construction site accidents
• Acceleration or deceleration trauma

Have You Or A Loved One Suffered A Traumatic Head Injury?

We understand the difficulties of your scenario if you or a loved one has been seriously injured. A traumatic brain injury attorney with prior success defending people with brain injuries may significantly improve the prospects for your recovery from a TBI.

We know how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may put you and your family under tremendous emotional, physical, and financial stress. As a result, we strive to obtain you and your family the compensation you need for long-term care and therapy as well as for your pain and suffering. If you qualify for compensation, the financial assistance may be life-changing. 

For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential case, call Texas Brain Injury Lawyers at (888) 532-0071 or fill out the form on this page.

Head And Brain Injury Severity Varies Widely

When significant brain damage, such as a TBI, goes unaddressed and untreated, it has the potential to result in serious long-term injuries that severely limit a victim’s life. A brain injury should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, whether it is minor or severe at first.

• Minor Head Injury

When the head is impacted, the tissue between the scalp and skull protects a significant number of blood vessels that might result in serious bruising or bumps. Ice packs are typically sufficient to treat these injuries, but whenever the head is hit it’s always recommended to visit a doctor.

Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects brain function. Concussions occur when the head is struck by an outside force or when the skull and brain shake back and forth rapidly and/or forcefully. They can occur after a minor knock to the head, and they may be difficult to detect if they don’t result in unconsciousness. Even though concussions are not typically deadly, they can lead to severe symptoms. They should always be treated with caution and the need for medical attention.

Secondary Impact Syndrome

The disorder is known as “second impact syndrome.” It occurs when someone has post-concussive symptoms following a head injury, and then gets another trauma that causes brain swelling and frequently leads to death.

 Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a sudden impact or force. They are divided into two categories: “open” and “closed.” An open injury happens when the skull is fractured as a result of a fall, collision, or other trauma in which the head makes hard contact with a solid object. A closed head injury does not involve an open wound or break, but can still be debilitating because of the risk of brain swelling and blood clots in the skull. Brain injuries can be serious or deadly, even if no symptoms are present.

Common Brain Injury Symptoms

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury differ from person to person, and they can get worse over time. It is critical to detect these symptoms as soon as possible in order to avoid additional damage. Unfortunately, the presence of symptoms is not simple; even expert medical examinations don’t always work. It’s not uncommon for early characteristics of a TBI to be missed if they have not yet fully developed. This makes it all the more prudent to keep a close watch for signs of a TBI after an accident.

After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the body might react to this injury in a variety of ways. The symptoms and indicators of TBI may include:

• Persistent headache
• Coordination problems
• Memory loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Light sensitivity
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Depression
• Change in temperament or personality

Long-Term Effects And Symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries may have a wide range of effects, from causing the victim to be unable to carry out daily activities to disrupting his or her memory. Medical expenses for treating someone who has suffered a TBI can be extremely expensive, especially if the injury was severe enough to require neurosurgery. Long-term impairments or changes in physical and mental health are not uncommon, and a victim’s quality of life can be severely affected. He or she may be unable to do so or work effectively.

The following are some of the symptoms and long-term consequences of a mild traumatic brain injury:

• Cognitive Defects

   ⁠— Amnesia, short- and long-term memory loss, slowed attention span, cognitive and judgment problems, space and time perception loss

• Motor Sensory Complications

   ⁠— Weakness, total or partial paralysis, poor balance and coordination, spasticity, reduced endurance, tremor seizures in children

• Perceptual And Sensory Defects

   ⁠— Sensations, tastes, hearing, touch, smell, and vision abnormalities

• Behavioral/Psychological

   ⁠— Mood swings, agitation, anxiety, depression

• Language And Communication Problems

   ⁠— Difficulty speaking, writing, reading, planning, communicating, or identifying objects

• Functional Complications

   ⁠— Difficulty with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, organizational problems

• Social And Psychiatric Changes

   ⁠— Problems understanding or interacting in social situations, irritability, decreased motivation, depression, anxiety

• Traumatic Epilepsy

   ⁠— Two to five percent of ABI victims experience seizures

• Loss of life

Steps To Take Immediately Following Any Type Of Brain Injury

Taking immediate action if you see someone who has suffered a head injury is critical to their health. It may make the difference between living a full life and one that is severely limited in many instances. The earlier the injury is treated, the more likely it is to minimize brain damage. Following a head trauma, symptoms can take time to appear and worsen, resulting in significant brain damage.

If you have any concerns about someone having a brain injury, you should:

1. Sit the victim down to make sure he/she is stable and safe
2. Look for a scalp wound; if present, apply a cloth and pressure to the wound
3. Provide the victim with a cold compress to hold against the injury.
4. Examine the victim to ensure he or she is conscious, coherent, and responsive. Examine for dizziness or nausea, memory loss, headaches, and confusion.
5. If symptoms worsen, such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, double vision, difficulty walking or speaking , seek prompt medical attention.
6. Seek immediate medical attention if the victim is unresponsive or has a deteriorating level of responsiveness, leaking blood or watery fluid from the nose or ears, or unequal pupil size.

If you believe the individual is paralyzed, unresponsive, or has a neck injury, do not move them since this might worsen their condition. If this is the case, call for emergency assistance right away.