What Are the 4 Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

One of the worst injuries a person can suffer is a traumatic brain injury. The brain is the most important part of the human body and controls all conscious and unconscious processes. However, despite the fact that the brain is so critical to human bodily functions, it is also one of the most physically vulnerable parts of the body, and any injury to the brain has a very high chance of causing long-term or permanent harm.

Brain injuries are generally categorized into four types. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury recently, it’s vital to understand the full scope of immediate, long-term, and permanent effects you could face from the incident. The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have helped many past clients file traumatic brain injury claims in response to these injuries, and we want our clients and prospective clients to understand the severe danger of traumatic brain injuries.

The Four Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most challenging aspects of brain injuries is their unpredictability. Any type of brain injury has the potential to cause a host of problems for the victim, and even seemingly identical brain injuries can lead to vastly different effects on victims. The brain can suffer serious injury in many ways, and the four categories of brain injuries are:

1. Concussions. This is a closed injury, meaning the injury occurs without any rupture to the skull or exposure of brain tissue. A concussion occurs whenever a sudden shift in momentum causes the brain to strike the inside surface of the skull. The brain is suspended in fluid and essentially floats inside of the skull cavity, but a car accident or other sudden momentum shift can cause it to hit the jagged surface of the inside of the skull.
2. Contusions. This type of brain injury is characterized by bruising and/or bleeding on the surface of the brain. These injuries happen in many of the same ways that concussions happen, but they are typically more serious and require more extensive immediate medical treatment. In addition, depending on the location of a brain contusion, the victim could experience a wide range of long-term or permanent effects.
3. Anoxic brain injury. This brain injury occurs whenever the brain is deprived of oxygen, even for a short time. Whenever the brain’s supply of oxygen is interrupted, even momentarily, brain cells will begin to die rapidly. The extent of the harm done by an axonic brain injury generally depends on how long the victim was deprived of oxygen.
4. Penetrating brain injury. This is an open-head injury, meaning some physical object has penetrated the skull and ruptured the brain tissue. These injuries are most common from gunshots, car accidents, and explosions with flying debris.

Any brain injury demands immediate medical treatment. Even a seemingly mild head injury can have fatal or life-changing consequences when the victim does not receive prompt medical care. If you or a family member suffers a brain injury due to the actions of any other party, you likely have grounds to file a personal injury claim. If you were hurt at work, the incident is likely grounds to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have helped many past clients pursue legal recourse for their brain injuries. Whether you are pursuing legal recourse on your own behalf or on behalf of an injured loved one, we can provide the compassionate and client-focused legal counsel you need to navigate the difficult legal proceedings ahead of you.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Type of Traumatic Brain Injury?

A: The most commonly reported traumatic brain injury in the United States is concussion. Any type of concussion can potentially cause a host of short and long-term symptoms, many of which are very debilitating. Some people recover from concussions relatively quickly, while others face months or years of serious adverse symptoms. In addition, any concussion leaves the victim more susceptible to concussions in the future.

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Type of Head Injury?

A: The most serious type of head injury most likely to result in death is a penetrating head injury. Whenever an external object physically enters the skull and ruptures brain matter, this can potentially result in instant death, and if the victim survives the initial impact, they will require immediate lifesaving medical care.

Q: What Are the Most Commonly Reported Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

A: Many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries face very difficult initial recoveries, followed by prolonged periods in which they contend with various adverse symptoms. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of traumatic brain injuries are persistent headaches and migraines, sensitivity to light and sound, mood and personality changes, neurological and cognitive disruptions, sensory confusion, and memory loss.

Q: What Should I Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A: Medical treatment should be the first priority for anyone who suffers any type of traumatic brain injury. If your injury occurred from any form of negligence, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible after initial recovery to determine how you can ensure accountability for your damages. If your injury happened while working, you are likely able to claim workers’ compensation benefits to help your recovery, and you may also have grounds for further legal recourse if a specific party caused your injury.

Q: Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Permanent?

A: Unfortunately, many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries will experience long-term or permanent complications from these injuries. At a minimum, any traumatic brain injury is likely to result in increased susceptibility to future head injuries. Some victims will experience minor symptoms that can improve over time with proper rehabilitative care, while others are left permanently and profoundly disabled by their injuries.

If you suffered any type of traumatic brain injury due to the actions of another party and/or while you were working, you need legal counsel you can trust to help you determine your best options for recourse against the party responsible for the injury. The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need in this situation. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our firm to learn more about the legal services we provide.