Types of Brain Injuries:
As we all know, brain injury is a very serious and life changing problem, and can be caused in a variety of ways. There are actually two main types of brain injury, and within these two categories there are also different types and levels of brain injury. These injuries can vary in severity and can have varying effects on a person’s life depending on the severity of the injury. Although some forms of brain injury are milder than others, any brain injury can prove debilitating – often permanently – and potentially fatal.
Traumatic brain injury
This type of brain injury occurs when the brain is damaged by an external force. In other words, the injury is not congenital or degenerative but is the result of an outside physical force such as an accident, a blow to the head, etc. The type of force that can cause traumatic brain injury is one that causes the brain to move inside the skull or one that damages the skull to the extent that it then damages the brain. Some of the circumstances under which this type of injury can occur include motor vehicle accidents, a direct blow to the head with a heavy instrument, sports injuries, slip and fall accidents, and physical violence.
The brain can be forced to move inside the head from rapid acceleration as well, which can also result in traumatic brain injury. This type of forceful acceleration can occur as the result of a car accident or being shaken violently. Whatever the cause of traumatic brain injury, it can prove seriously debilitating. This type of injury can result in impaired physical and mental functioning, and can also lead to a chance in emotions and behavior. Such a brain injury can affect the rest of the victim’s life.
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a traumatic brain injury. These include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Vision problems
- Leakage of spinal fluid from the nose or ears
- Dizziness and lack of balance/co-ordination
- Paralysis
- Slow breathing
- Lethargy
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Aural problems and ringing in ears
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Numbness or tingling across body
- Emotional and behavioural changes
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Some of the different types of traumatic brain injury include diffuse axonal injury, concussion, contusion, penetrating injury, and shaken-baby syndrome.
Acquired brain injury
This type of brain injury is also not degenerative or congenital. This type of brain damage occurs at a cellular level, and although in some ways it can appear similar to a traumatic brain injury, this type of brain injury can often be more debilitating depending on the severity.
Some of the causes of acquired brain injury include starvation of oxygen to the brain and lack of blood flow to the brain. Some of the circumstances under which one might suffer an acquired brain injury include:
- Near drowning, choking, or strangulation
- Electric shock
- Obstruction of airways
- Vascular problems
- Strokes or heart attacks
- Infectious disease
- Toxic exposure
- Through the abuse of illegal drugs
Levels of brain injury
The level of brain injury can vary with both traumatic and acquired brain injuries. A person may suffer a mild brain injury, which normally affect the person for a temporary period, and can cause symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory problems, nausea, sickness, depression, and emotional problems.
A person may suffer moderate brain injury, where symptoms can last longer and the effects can be more profound. However, patients can still make a good recovery for this level of injury in many cases.
Finally, the victim could sustain a serious brain injury. This can lead to life-changing and debilitating problems. Some of the situations that would come under a serious brain injury include: a coma, a vegetative state, a minimally responsive state, akinetic mutism, locked in syndrome, and brain death.
Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!
Find a Brain Injury Lawyer or Attorney in Your State:
Headlines & Topics Relating to Brain Injury:
The boyfriend of the mother of a young baby is facing assault charges after the baby boy was taken to the hospital and found to be suffering from brain injuries.
Topic Added May 31th, 2005
Want more? These are just the latest topics and resources added to Lawcore.com; click here for a full list of topics covered, other legal resources, and additional lawyer and legal information. Click Here To Read More.
Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer known to man. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos - Find information on choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, the various types of mesothelioma, other illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos (namely Lung Cancer & Asbestosis), and more.
Exposure to Benzene is known to cause a form of leukemia, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or AML - Find information on benzene exposure, the side effects, choosing a benzene attorney, & how to get compensation if you have been injured or lost a loved one to Benzene exposure.
Have you been injured in an Auto Accident? Find a wealth of information on claims for injuries (Or even death) sustained in a car accident, car accident lawyers, statistics on auto accidents, insurance claim details, & how to reveive compensation for your damages.
Related Resources:
Truck Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
DUI / DWI Lawyers