4 Types of Brain Injuries and 3 Levels of Severity
A brain injury can be a life-changing event. If you or a loved one experiences a brain injury, it is important to understand what type of brain injury you are dealing with and how severe that injury is. This article will delve into the four different types of brain injuries and explain how brain injuries differ in terms of severity.
Defining a Brain Injury
The term “brain injury” extends to an array of injuries that affect the head and skull. A common form of brain injury is known as “traumatic brain injury” (TBI). These injuries typically occur after the body or head has suffered a severe blow. The most common outcomes of these injuries are swelling, bruising, and potential tissue injury.
The brain is one of the body’s most important organs. After all, it regulates the entirety of the body’s functions. One small change to its normal functioning can have life-altering results. These results don’t merely extend to the victim — they affect their families and caretakers as well.
3 Levels of Brain Injury Severity
TBIs are typically assigned to one of three categories, which are organized by severity. However, it is important to note that injuries sustained by two different people in the exact same portion of the brain can produce different symptoms in each individual. Always consult a medical professional if you suspect a brain injury.
Mild
Mild TBIs can be accompanied by a momentary loss of consciousness, although this is not always the case. Sometimes the victim does not experience any symptoms whatsoever. However, they will likely experience disorientation and confusion.
Moderate
Victims who sustain moderate traumatic brain injuries may experience a loss of consciousness that lasts hours, as well as prolonged confusion and disorientation that can last for several weeks. Moderate TBIs can cause complications that extend for a few months to the entirety of the victim’s life.
Severe
Severe TBIs involve direct damage or penetration to the skull or brain. This type of injury can be critical, and it is almost certain that the victim’s life will be altered forever. The most common form of this injury involves severe damage to the skull.
4 Types of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can happen in a variety of ways. The primary factors involved include how the accident occurred, the location of the injury, and the force of the impact. Here are four common types of brain injury:
Brain Contusions
Brain contusions are a bruise on the brain tissue. They occur when small blood vessels in the brain break and leak. They are typically caused by a direct impact to the head, such as striking the side of the car during a car accident.
Concussions
A concussion is a minor form of TBI that occurs after an impact to the head, shaking, or sudden movement. Concussions can be difficult to diagnose, as they are notoriously evasive with imaging tests. However, it is still important to consult a medical professional if you think you have sustained one.
Concussions can cause the following problems:
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Confusion
Concussions can be even more dangerous if more than one is sustained over a duration of time, especially if another one occurs before the first heals.
Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries happen when an object penetrates the skull. In the process, an object comes into contact with the brain. These types of injuries can have serious complications that affect several parts of the brain.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a second concussion is sustained before the first has a chance to heal. This is a form of recurrent TBI and can severely alter the functioning and form of the brain.
Brain Injury Awareness
Now that you know a little more about the levels of severity and types of brain injuries, you understand the implications of conducting yourself in a manner that protects yourself and others.
Contact the Brain Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Fort Worth for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced brain injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
