1. What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is subject to a sudden force, which causes damage to the brain. There need not be a fracture of the skull in order for a serious, or even fatal, brain injury to occur. This is true because of the anatomy of the brain.
While the brain sits inside the skull, it is not physically attached to the skull. Instead, the brain is enclosed within spinal fluid. Thus, if the head sustains a sudden blow, such as falling onto the floor or from striking a part of a motor vehicle, the skull itself may not fracture but the brain may be suddenly slammed against the side of the skull. This can cause injury to the brain.
In addition, the brain may actually then "bounce back" against the skull and hit the opposite side of the skull causing what doctors call a "contra coup" injury to the brain. A brain injury, which occurs when the head sustains an impact but the skull does not break, is called a "closed head injury." Brain injuries also occur when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue. In addition to causing injury to the brain a skull fracture may also allow infection leak into the brain fluid, causing damage to the brain.
Brain inures can result from injuries not only to the brain tissue itself but also the blood vessels within the brain.
2. What are the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury has many possible symptoms. These include seizures, memory or behavioral problems, depression, irritability, headaches, nausea, or severe head pain.
3. Is there any treatment?
Immediate treatment for TBI involves surgery to control bleeding in and around the brain, monitoring and controlling intracranial pressure, insuring adequate blood flow to the brain, and treating the body for other injuries and infection.
4. What is the prognosis?
The outcome of TBI depends on the cause of the injury and on the location, severity, and extent of neurological damage: Outcomes range from good recovery to death.
5. Who can assert a claim or sue for a traumatic brain injury?
Anyone who sustains a traumatic brain injury as a result of the fault or negligence of another, whether it is from a faulty product, a car crash, or a plane crash, can bring a claim against persons responsible.
6. Can a brain injury occur even if a person doesn't lose consciousness?
Yes, while serious brain injuries do occur associated with loss of consciousness, it is not necessary that loss of consciousness occur for a serious brain injury to happen. For this reason, any time a brain injury is suspected expert medical treatment should be sought at once.
7. Do I need to retain an attorney to represent me in a traumatic brain injury case?
Yes. Anytime a serious brain injury occurs, the long-term effect of these injuries, while subtle, can have a serious effect on a person's ability to live a normal life. An attorney can consult with recognized experts who can identify the symptoms of the brain injury and assist in it treatment.
Please contact us to discuss your case.