The Law Offices of A. L. Williams and Associates, LLC.
While brain injuries vary from person to person and are fully dependent on outside circumstances, there are some fairly common ones. Below are some of the most common types of diagnosed brain injuries. More specific information for a particular case should always be obtained from a certified physician.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the leading causes of death for persons under the age of 45. There are approximately 5 million Americans currently suffering from a TBI disability. In 2010, TBI contributed to 50,000 deaths in the United States, and among all age groups, 26% of those deaths being the result of motor vehicle accidents, and 40% of deaths being the result of falls.
- Concussion
A concussion is the most common form of TBI and is caused by a sudden trauma on the brain from an impact or sudden change that alters the brain function. Confusion, loss of consciousness, and feeling dazed are all symptoms of a concussion, but symptoms differ from person to person. Skull fractures, brain bleed, and swelling may not always be noticeable even through CAT Scans and another image testing. Recovery time for a concussion can vary from a few months to years.
- Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head. Severe contusions can cause the brain to swell, which could lead to additional brain damage such as coma. Contusions occur in 20-30% of severe head injuries. Some symptoms of a contusion are memory loss, numbness, difficulty with motor coordination, and loss of ability to understand and express speech.
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
- Severe Brain Injury
Most people that sustain a brain injury suffer from mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. The injuries in the mild to the moderate range are usually injuries that are a result of a sudden impact and non-penetrating exertion on a person’s head. Most of the people with these injuries recover without any long-standing impairments or apparent consequences.
On the other hand, people who suffer from severe brain injuries are people who sustained penetrating and extreme exertion of force to their heads such as serious skull fractures. Most severe brain injuries will have lifelong consequences and a person is not likely to return to pre-injury condition.
