Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI, also called Intracranial Injury) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. It’s effects can be devastating, and it’s costs astronomical. According to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1.5 million people a year suffer from TBI. Yearly, 50,000 people die as a result of TBI, and 85,000 people suffer long term disabilities.
Mild TBI v. Severe TBI
Traumatic Brain Injuries are usually divided into two categories: Mild and Severe.
Mild TBI defines an injury that results in loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation for less than 30 minutes. Often, MRI and CAT scan results are normal, while the individual is suffering from cognitive problems including:
- Headache
- Difficulty Thinking
- Memory Problems
- Attention Deficits
- Mood Swings
- Frustration
Severe TBI defines an injury that results in loss of consciousness for over 30 minutes, and memory loss after the injury that lasts longer than 24 hours. Individuals suffer from higher level cognitive functioning deficits, and could potentially slip into comatose states. Survivors of severe traumatic brain injuries may have limited functions of their arms or legs, abnormal speech, loss of thinking ability, or emotional problems.
With severe TBI, long term rehab is often necessary to maximize function and independence. However, Mild TBI could be just as serious. Changes in brain function can have a dramatic impact on family, job, social, and community interaction.
How do you get a TBI?
Traumatic Brain Injuries usually happen in one of three general ways:
- The head is struck with force
- The head strikes an object
- The brain moves within the skull.
Blows to the head could cause closed head injuries (CHI), or open head injuries (OHI). Closed head injuries cause damage to the brain that does not involve exterior trauma to the head. Open head injuries cause visual injury, and damage to the head and brain are much more evident.
The three most common causes of TBI are motor vehicle accidents, firearms, and falls. Young adults and the elderly are the most susceptible to traumatic brain injuries.
What are the Symptoms of TBI?
Traumatic Brain Injuries can cause a plethora of different symptoms. You might consider contacting a doctor if you or a loved one have recently suffered a blow to the head and are now displaying one or more of the following signs:
Is Your Loved One A Victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another and are now facing physical limitations and medical bills you are ill-prepared to handle, contact a brain injury lawyer at the Mininno Law Office. Our attorneys are experienced and prepared to handle the toughest cases.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation and let one of the brain injury attorneys analyze the merits of your case. You may also call for a free consultation:
New Jersey: (856) 833-0600
Philadelphia: (215) 567-2380
Let the Mininno Law Firm earn you the compensation you deserve!
| (c) Copyright 2011 Mininno Law Office |