Types and Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

You may have heard the urban legend that human beings only use 10% of their brains. This is not true at all. In a way, however, it might be better if it were. Then traumatic brain injuries might be less devastating and the recovery less difficult. The fact of the matter is that almost every part of the human brain is responsible for some necessary functions. These include movement and sensation as well as consciousness, emotion, and intelligence.

A traumatic brain injury occurs when some external force causes damage to the brain. Sometimes this occurs because of a fracture to the skull or penetration of a foreign object into the neural tissue. However, sometimes impact to the brain can cause damage even without fracture or penetration. These are called “closed brain injuries.” They can be more subtle and therefore more difficult to diagnose.

Causes of Brain Injuries

The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are falls and motor vehicle accidents. In war-torn areas, they may result from a bomb blast or a military attack. TBI can also occur as a result of violence. This may involve a weapon, such as a bludgeon or a gun. However, TBI can also result from forms of violence that do not involve weapons, such as a blow to the head, a shove, or violent shaking.

Types of Brain Injuries

Some types of brain injuries are more likely to arise due to certain causes. For example, diffuse axonal injury is a rare but serious TBI caused by the tearing of brain tissue. It is more likely to arise due to violent shaking. It can also occur due to rotational forces, such as may occur in a car accident. The more common types of traumatic brain injuries tend to arise due to a direct impact to the head. A contusion is a localized area of bleeding in the brain. It is sometimes necessary to remove a contusion surgically.

A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Most patients with concussions recover completely; however, there is a possibility that a concussion could cause long-term complications, especially if it is severe. Even if the concussion is mild, every TBI is a serious concern that requires medical attention.

If you or someone close to you suffered a traumatic brain injury that was caused by someone else, you may be able to recover monetary damages. A brain injury attorney would be happy to evaluate your case. Contact an attorney to arrange a consultation.