Understanding Traumatic Brain InjuryA traumatic brain injury can be devastating and have long-lasting effects on an individual and his or her loved ones. Traumatic brain injury contributes to about 30% of all injury deaths and can happen to anyone at any time. If you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury or helping to care for a loved one who is suffering, then you have first-hand knowledge of the physical, psychological, and social effects such an injury can have.

What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Not all blows, bumps, or jolts result in a TBI. TBI severity may range from “mild” (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to “severe” (sustained loss of consciousness or memory loss). Most TBI’s are mild and are commonly known as concussions.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

In addition to the degree of severity of a TBI, the type of TBI can make a difference in an individual’s recovery and long-term prognosis.

  • Concussion-the common result of a blow to the head or rapid deceleration. Can cause an individual to experience a temporary or long-term altered mental state
  • Contrecoup-bruising or damage to the brain tissue on the opposite side of where a blow was struck
  • Diffuse brain injury-injury to cells in many areas of the brain
  • Focal injury-injury to a specific area of the brain
  • Hematoma-the rupture of a blood vessel in the head leading to the collection of blood in brain tissue or open spaces
  • Penetrating injury-occurs when an object, such as a bullet or a sharp instrument, breaks through the skull and rips through the soft brain tissue.
  • Skull fracture-breaking of the bones surrounding the brain

What are common causes of a traumatic brain injury?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common causes of TBIs are

  • Falls
  • Being struck by or against an object
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Assault
  • Intentional self-harm

Who is at risk for a TBI?

Every American has more than a 1:160 chance if sustaining a TBI each year. While everyone is at risk for a TBI, men are almost twice as likely as women to sustain one. Children under 5, teenagers, and the elderly are the three groups at the highest risk.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury due to someone’s negligence, you should consult with an attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MED-LAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits available. Se habla espaňol.