What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain that occurs as a result of a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can range from mild to severe and can cause temporary or permanent impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.
Common types of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Concussion: A mild TBI that often results from a blow to the head or a sudden, violent movement causing the brain to bounce or twist within the skull. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems.
- Contusion: This involves bruising of the brain tissue, typically caused by a direct impact to the head. Contusions can lead to localized bleeding and swelling, affecting nearby brain function.
- Penetrating Injury: Occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. Penetrating injuries can cause severe damage and are often associated with high-impact accidents or violence.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Results from rapid acceleration or deceleration, causing the brain’s nerve fibers (axons) to stretch and tear. DAI can lead to widespread damage and is often associated with high-speed accidents.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome: Common in infants, this type of injury occurs when a baby is forcefully shaken, leading to brain damage. It can cause bleeding, swelling, and long-term neurological issues.
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Refers to brain injuries that occur after birth and are not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. This category includes injuries resulting from events such as strokes, infections, or tumors.
It’s important to note that the severity and long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury can vary widely depending on factors such as the force of impact, location of the injury, and the individual’s overall health. Prompt medical attention and appropriate rehabilitation are crucial for managing and mitigating the impact of TBIs.
Common Causes of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from various causes, often involving a forceful impact to the head or sudden acceleration/deceleration of the body. Common causes of traumatic brain injury include:
- Falls: Falls are a leading cause of TBIs, especially among the elderly and young children. Falls from heights or slipping and tripping accidents can lead to head injuries.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents can cause head trauma. High-speed collisions, sudden stops, or impacts with objects can result in TBIs.
- Struck by or Against Objects: Being struck by a moving or falling object, or colliding with a stationary object, can cause head injuries. This can occur in various settings, including workplaces and sports activities.
- Assaults: Physical assaults, including punches, kicks, or attacks with weapons, can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Intentional acts of violence can cause severe and potentially life-threatening head trauma.
- Sports Injuries: Participation in contact sports or activities with a risk of collisions, such as football, soccer, or boxing, can result in concussions or more severe TBIs.
- Military Injuries: Members of the military may be at risk of TBIs due to exposure to explosions, blasts, or combat-related incidents.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome: Infants are vulnerable to head injuries when forcefully shaken. This can lead to severe brain damage and is often a result of child abuse.
- Explosions: Exposure to blasts, explosions, or blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) can cause traumatic brain injuries, particularly in military and certain occupational settings.
- Workplace Accidents: Occupational settings with a risk of falls, machinery accidents, or falling objects can contribute to traumatic brain injuries.
- Recreational Activities: Engaging in recreational activities, such as skiing, biking, or horseback riding, can expose individuals to the risk of head injuries, especially if proper safety measures are not taken.
Common Symptoms of TBI
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. They can manifest immediately or develop over time. Common symptoms of TBI include:
- Physical Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking or processing speed
- Trouble with problem-solving
- Poor judgment
- Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Irritability or agitation
- Anxiety or depression
- Emotional outbursts
- Changes in personality
- Social withdrawal
- Sensory Symptoms:
- Loss of taste or smell
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Changes in hearing
- Sensitivity to touch or pain
- Altered perception of temperature
- Communication Symptoms:
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty forming or understanding words
- Problems with reading or writing
- Communication challenges
- Motor Symptoms:
- Weakness or numbness in extremities
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Consciousness and Awareness:
- Loss of consciousness (duration varies)
- Dazed or confused state
- Coma (in severe cases)
How Our Firm Can Help You
At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we understand how devastating a brain injury can be. We are ready to help you recover the compensation necessary to make the best possible recovery from injury.
Our team can help you with all aspects of your claim, including:
- Completing the necessary paperwork
- Gathering the required evidence
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Representing you in all hearings and proceedings
Our Hollywood brain injury lawyers have been helping injured residents for over 40 years. We know what it takes to get you the damages or benefits you need, and we will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Call our office today at +1 (954) 963-0444 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled brain injury attorneys in Hollywood, FL.
