Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI, which stands for traumatic brain injury is caused by a brutal physical force that affects the brain and results to a weakened or altered state of consciousness. The force initiates the movement of the brain within the skull and occasionally causes the skull to break and directly inflicts harm to the brain. Bruising, tearing and inflammation can be due to the brain’s rotation against the skull. Our brain plays a major role in controlling processes involving thought, movement and other significant parts of our emotional and physical comfort and welfare.

Effects of Brain Injury

The injury to any area of the brain can be critical and can further cause the following: headaches, permanent disability, memory loss, loss of the sense of taste or smell, double vision, speech impairments, seizures, anxiety, behavior problems and depression. In some cases the impairment of memory in TBI victims lead to a loss of self and identity. Vehicular accidents, falls, violent actions and sports injuries are the most common causes of TBI.

Types of Head Injuries

Head injuries can be categorized as Diffuse Axonal Injuries, Concussions, Coup-Contrecoup, Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury, Penetration Injuries and Comas.

• Diffuse Axonal Injuries

- Caused by the shaking or strong rotation of the head.

• Concussions

- Caused by brain experiences trauma due to an impact or violent alteration in movement or momentum.

• Coup-Contrecoup

- Bruises that happens when the brain is smashed into the opposite side of the skull. The bruises appear on both the side of an impact and on the side of the brain directly opposite to the impact.

• Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury

- Also known as Second Impact Syndrome, Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury, happens before a previous traumatic brain injury heals.

• Penetration Injuries

- Happens when a bullet, knife or other sharp object forces hair, skin and bone to enter the brain.

• Comas

- These are extended periods of unconsciousness where awareness of self or the environment is absent.

Approximately 5.3 million Americans suffer disabilities because of traumatic brain injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This article is not a legal advice.

Kenneth J. Allen Associates serve clients looking for more information concerning brain injury proceedings. Business office serving in Illinois and Indiana.