When someone experiences damage to the brain, such as via a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, it is known as a traumatic brain injury.
A traumatic brain injury can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. A concussion is a type of mild TBI.
There is no difference between concussions and mild TBIs. However, moderate and severe TBIs are not called concussions. So, it is the level of severity that matters.
Although concussions can be more serious, they are commonly mild injuries from which people recover. More serious forms of TBIs can result in severe physical and psychological symptoms. They can even result in comas and deaths.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
While traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are commonly caused by blows, bumps, or jolts to the head, there are lots of different types of things that can cause those injuries.
Some of the most common causes include falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle collisions, being struck by an object, being caught in the blast of an explosion, and child abuse.
Falls are the most common cause of TBIs in adults aged sixty-five and older while motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of TBIs in young adults.
TBIs can also be penetrating injuries, in which the skull is penetrated by an object. Common causes of such injuries include being hit by a weapon, being hit by a bullet or shrapnel, and a head injury that involves a bone fragment penetrating the skull.
If you or a loved one suffers any kind of traumatic brain injury that is due to an individual or organization’s negligence, you should contact a specialist lawyer in your local vicinity to assist you in making a claim.
For instance, if you live in Chi-town, as the locals call Chicago, you should get in touch with Chicago brain injury lawyers. By hiring an experienced lawyer who is nearby, it will be much easier to visit their law offices when you need to.
With the help of an attorney, you or your loved one can receive financial compensation to cover things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The symptoms of TBIs can differ depending on the seriousness of the injury.
Mild traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, can involve a brief loss of consciousness, but most people who experience mild TBIs remain conscious after their injuries.
Common symptoms of mild TBIs, such as concussion, include:
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Lightheadedness.
- Confusion.
- Blurred vision.
- A ringing in the ears.
- Fatigue or lethargy.
- Changes in mood or behavior.
- Changes in sleeping patterns.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- A bad taste in the mouth.
People who have moderate or severe TBIs may also experience the above symptoms. But they could also experience other symptoms, such as:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away.
- Convulsions or seizures.
- Repeated nausea or vomiting.
- Slurred speech.
- A larger than normal pupil, in one or both eyes.
- A loss of coordination.
- Weakness or numbness in the legs and arms.
- Restlessness or agitation.
Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries
The precise treatments for a TBI are dependent on numerous factors, such as the severity and location of the brain injury.
For mild TBIs like concussions, getting complete rest after the accident is the best thing to do. You can also get over-the-counter medication for individual symptoms like headaches.
Symptoms of mild TBIs should go soon after the injury, but even with a mild TBI, like a concussion, you should err on the side of caution and visit a doctor. Sometimes, symptoms cannot show up until much later after the accident, or you could have internal injuries, so it is always best to consult a medical professional.
Moderate and severe TBIs are commonly treated with medicines, rehabilitation therapies, or surgery. Medical attention needs to be sought as soon as a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury happens.