According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Of those, 52,000 die, making TBI a factor in approximately one-third of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
Traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers a sudden trauma, either by hitting an object (including the skull) or by direct damage to brain tissue by an object that has pierced the skull. A blow to the head can cause a concussion, when the brain bruises and swells. Depending on severity, pressure from swelling caused by concussion can cause irreparable damage to fragile nerve networks and tissue in the brain.
The terms brain injury and head injury are often used interchangeably. Head injuries encompass damage to the scalp, face, skull and the brain.
Symptoms of brain injury vary with area and intensity of injury. Traumatic brain injury is often classified as minor or severe, described as follows:
Forms of brain injury
Mild brain injury: Mild TBI is the most common form of brain injury. Oftentimes missed at diagnosis, symptoms of mild TBI can persist for a year or more. Causing brief disorientation or unconsciousness of less than 30 minutes, symptoms of mild TBI can include:
- Lethargy
- Short period of amnesia for events occurring around the traumatic event
- Headache
- Confusion or mild disorientation
- Loss of balance
- Sensory changes involving vision, hearing, and taste
- Mood, irritability, or emotional changes
- Memory problems
Severe brain injury: In addition to symptoms experienced with mild brain injury, severe TBI can cause a host of additional physiological difficulties including:
- Diminished sensory input and ability (hearing, vision, taste, smell)
- Chronic headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Distinct changes in cognitive and social abilities
- Convulsions or seizures
- Loss of communication ability, slurred speech
- Paralysis, motor difficulties
- Dementia, confusion, noted emotional changes
- Changes in personality
Pursuing a legal claim for brain injury
TBI in any form can be life-altering. The reality of a changed future requires thoughtful consideration of pursuing compensation in a legal action for present and future expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care and counseling.
A San Diego brain injury lawyers experienced with head injury usually offer a no-cost consultation. Making an appointment gives you a chance to learn about your case, what to expect, and possible outcomes of pursuing a claim for your injury.
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