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Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Information available from Johns Hopkins indicates that a TBI happens when a person experiences a sudden blow or jolt to the head or body. Not all brain injuries are exactly alike. In fact, there are various types of brain injuries that a person could experience, with the most basic levels consisting of closed brain injuries and penetrating brain injuries. However, the types of traumatic brain injuries go more in-depth than this.
The first definition to get out of the way when discussing brain injuries is the difference between a closed brain injury and a penetrating brain injury. Even though both of these incidents can lead to brain trauma, they are different in nature.
Closed brain injuries occur anytime there is an injury to the brain that happens without any type of penetration to the skull. These injuries are typically caused by the rapid forward or backward movement and shaking of the brain inside of the skull that results in tearing or bruising of the blood vessels or brain tissue. These incidents were more common with car accidents, falls, and sports incidents.
Penetrating brain injuries occur anytime there is a fracture in the skull or something that penetrates through the skull into the brain. This can occur when projectiles go through the skull, such as a bullet.
Mild traumatic brain injuries are typically referred to as concussions. These are also the most common types of brain injuries that occur. Typically, individuals only experience concussion symptoms for a few days and make a full recovery. Some of the most common symptoms include feelings of confusion, headache, trouble with sleep, sensitivity to light and sound, and coordination issues.
Moderate traumatic brain injuries are typically associated with a loss of consciousness that lasts for 30 minutes or more, but less than one day. Confusion and loss of coordination can last up to one week for a moderate traumatic brain injury. Individuals at this level will typically experience the same symptoms as a mild concussion, but they last longer and may be slightly more severe.
Severe traumatic brain injuries are typically categorized by a loss of consciousness for more than one full day. These types of injuries can result in long-term brain damage that significantly affects a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.
There are brain injuries that occur not as a result of trauma but some sort of other medical event. This can include cardiovascular incidents such as strokes or heart attacks, as well as seizures, choking, and near-fatal drownings. Additionally, ingesting poisons can also lead to non-traumatic brain injuries.
If you or somebody you care about has sustained a serious brain injury caused by the negligence of another individual or entity, reach out to a skilled brain injury lawyer in San Bernardino as soon as possible. These cases can become incredibly complicated, and you need to have an advocate by your side fighting to obtain maximum compensation for your medical expenses and any long-term care needs you may have. Your lawyer will gather the evidence needed to prove liability and work diligently to secure either an insurance settlement or a favorable personal injury jury for it on your behalf. If you sustained your traumatic brain injury at your workplace, you can file a claim with our workers’ compensation attorneys.