Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs are injuries to that brain caused by an external force that negatively affects the brain's functionality. These injuries can result from many things, including high-impact sports, medical malpractice, car accidents, or falls.

Common TBI Types

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there are approximately 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries per year. Some of the most common TBIs are:

Concussions. These are some of the most common forms of brain injuries. They occur when the brain changes in function due to hitting the internal walls of the skull.

Diffuse Axonal Injury. These injuries cause damage to the axons of brain cells that make them unable to function. Bleeding is not associated with these injuries. However, there may be some swelling.

Edema. This is a term referred to as swelling of the brain. It can result from any TBI and could cause excess pressure on the brain since the skull cannot expand with the swelling.

Intracranial Hematoma. This occurs when blood pools in the brain or empty spaces around the brain because of a ruptured blood vessel. The location of the brain may determine the classification of the hematoma.

Hemorrhages. These injuries result from uncontrolled bleeding in the brain's tissue or on its surface. Hemorrhages tend to cause less severe damage than other things. However, they can still be life-threatening if not treated by a medical professional.

Treatment

Treatment of a TBI solely depends on the type and severity of the injury. Mild injuries typically require a few days of rest and limited mobility, while more severe cases may require more time and effort. Necessary treatment for moderate to severe TBIs can often include therapy, focusing on activating the brain's neuroplasticity. This is a term used when referring to the brain's ability to reorganize neural pathways to allow undamaged areas of the brain to take over the function of the damaged ones. Neuroplasticity can be activated through task-oriented, repetitive exercise. The best therapies that utilize the techniques include:

• Speech therapy
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Cognitive training

You can discuss therapy options with your practitioner to better understand which option is the best for you and your condition.

We Can Help

If you or someone you know has been suffering from a traumatic brain injury, it's important that you contact a legal professional. You may be entitled to financial compensation. Working with a skilled attorney will help you fully understand any legal options you may have.

Call us today at (505) 906-6774 to speak with one of our award-winning attorneys and discuss the details of the case. We want to help.