What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to brain damage caused by a physical external force, not something internal like a tumor or a stroke, or prolonged lack of oxygen (anoxic brain injury). Caused by a gunshot wound, fall, construction, vehicle, or other accident, TBI can range from mild to severe.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of brain injury is falling, followed by being hit by or against an object (these incidents are usually responsible for mild injury), and vehicle crashes. When it comes to moderate to severe TBI, falls are still the most common cause, followed by vehicle crashes, and assaults.
Types of TBIs
The brain is composed of delicate soft tissue surrounded by fluid within the skull. Weighing only 3-4 pounds, it is protected by three layers of membrane, and can be compressed, stretched, and pulled due to its soft consistency. When there is a sudden speeding up and stopping, as in a vehicle crash or fall, the violent movement of the brain inside the skull can result in injury.
Closed vs Open Injury
A closed head injury occurs due to a blow to the head or a sudden stop after moving at high speed, as in a vehicle accident. This causes the brain to collide with the bony skull around it. When the injury occurs at high speed, the brain can rotate inside the skull. After this type of injury, damage can occur throughout the brain, or in specific areas of the brain.
An open head injury is usually confined to a localized area and therefore damage tends to be limited to one area of the brain. However, because they are caused by an invasive object like a bullet, they can be as severe as closed head injuries.
Primary vs Secondary Injury
A primary injury is the initial injury that occurs at the time of the traumatic incident – these injuries cannot be reversed. The goal of treatment is to prevent secondary, or further injury, which usually occurs within a few days and may be caused by lack of oxygen to the brain or an increase in intracranial pressure from the brain tissue swelling.
When to Consult a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Near Mokena
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident, reach out to a qualified motor vehicle accident attorney near Mokena from Block Law. We are here to help.
