A traumatic brain injury is defined as damage to the brain resulting from external physical force, such as a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. There are two main types of TBI:
- Mild TBI or Concussion – Causes a brief change in mental status or consciousness resulting from injury.
- Moderate or Severe TBI – Involves an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after an injury that indicates significant brain damage.
The brain is vulnerable to traumatic injury because it is soft, floating in fluid inside the hard skull. Sudden impact causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, torn nerve fibers, bleeding, and other physical damage.
TBI Statistics and Prevalence Causes and Mechanisms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury is unfortunately very common, with 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations occurring in 2020 in the US alone.
How Do TBIs Occur?
External TBIs occur when strong jolts or blows to the body transfer force to the brain, resulting in injury.
- Falls – The leading cause of TBI, especially in young children and older adults.
- Struck by or Against Object – When the head impacts a hard object such as a dashboard, door frame, or the ground.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Traffic collisions frequently cause TBIs through rapid deceleration/acceleration and impact.
- Assault/Violence – Physical blows to the head result in a significant number of assaults/violence-related TBIs.
- Sports/Recreation Accidents – Contact sports and recreational activities lead to head injuries when proper safety gear is not used.
TBIs can also result from internal medical events placing harmful pressure on or depriving blood/oxygen from the brain:
- Aneurysms – Ruptured blood vessels in the brain
- Lack of Oxygen (Anoxia) – Restricted oxygen/blood flow to the brain
- Strokes – Blocked or ruptured brain blood vessels
- Tumors – Cancerous growths occupying space and placing pressure on delicate brain tissue
How Trauma Affects the Brain
The sudden impact and movement of the brain within the skull can cause bruising, bleeding, torn nerves, and other physical trauma. This initial injury then triggers secondary chemical changes and complications that continue to damage cells. The specific effects and severity depend on the nature and location of the injury.
Preventable vs. Non-Preventable TBIs
Many TBIs can be prevented through awareness, education, and safety measures – like wearing helmets for sports and construction sites. However, unpredictable accidents or violence may still cause unavoidable brain trauma.
Recognizing Symptoms and Diagnosis
Identifying signs of TBI early is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of further injury. However, symptoms are not always obvious, and a medical evaluation is needed for accurate diagnosis.
Identifying Symptoms of TBI
- Early Signs and Symptoms – Headaches, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, mood changes, difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Long-Term Effects and Complications – Lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties, including seizures, fluid buildup, nerve damage, and increased risk of mental health disorders.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek emergency care even for a mild bump to the head if you experience loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, or worsening symptoms. Adults caring for children should watch for changes in behavior indicating concussions.
Diagnosis and Medical Assessment
Accurately diagnosing the presence and severity of a traumatic brain injury is crucial yet complex. A multi-pronged approach combines:
- Physical exams – Check reflexes, sensory function, balance, coordination, swallowing ability and cognitive status through memory, reasoning and vocabulary questions
- Direct injury observation – Any needed skull surgery allows doctors to directly see brain tissue damage
- CT scans – Quickly detect skull fractures or bleeding
- MRIs – Enhanced visualization of lesions, contusions, nerve damage or altered structures
- Specialized scans – Angiograms check blood flow within vessels for abnormalities
- Neuropsychological testing over time – Detects subtler cumulative cognitive effects on memory, reaction speed, reasoning, etc., as these may develop gradually after initial injury
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment for TBI focuses on stabilizing the initial injury and managing long-term symptoms to maximize recovery. Rehabilitation therapies also play a crucial role in regaining function.
Treatment Options for TBI
- Immediate and Emergency Treatments – Stabilizing vital signs, stopping bleeding, relieving pressure on the brain through drugs/surgery, and establishing airway/oxygen flow.
- Long-Term Treatment Strategies – Medications to control seizures, swelling/inflammation, headaches, and other lingering effects. Additional surgery if necessary.
Role of Rehabilitation in Recovery
Rehabilitation therapy aims to rebuild lost skills and develop strategies to compensate for residual disability from TBI.
- Rehabilitation therapies and approaches utilized include physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies to regain function.
- Counseling services provide essential emotional support and help manage psychological effects.
- Coping strategies focused on setting realistic expectations, maintaining social connections, proper rest and nutrition help in creating a "new normal".
The Porter Law Group Can Help With Your TBI Case
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another party’s negligence, the expert attorneys at the Porter Law Group can help you understand your legal options regarding compensation. We know TBI cases require sensitivity and extensive expertise.
Our legal team operates on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for you. We are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the maximum possible compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Porter Law Group is here to help. Contact us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation with our highly experienced TBI attorneys. Let us stand by your side and handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
