Types and Symptoms of TBIs Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents
The impact of collision in most car accidents, even at low speeds, has the potential to cause serious and traumatic brain injury, whether from hitting a windshield, window, door, or even the roadway if you’re thrown from the car. In fact, motor vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injury, behind falls. Nearly one-third of all TBI-related deaths stem from motor vehicle crashes.
Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury
In most instances, a traumatic brain injury results from impact to the head that causes the brain to move around, or back and forth, inside the skull. TBI may involve penetration of the skull or skull fractures, also typically associated with such impact.
A traumatic brain injury can occur even without blunt force or impact to the head or skull. For example, you can experience serious TBI from whiplash, when the snapping of your head and neck causes the brain to bounce off the inside of your skull.
The Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical professionals distinguish between three different types, or levels, of TBI:
- Mild TBI, commonly known as a concussion — The vast majority of traumatic brain injuries fall into this category, and most people who experience a mild TBI make a full recovery, often within days or a couple weeks.
- Moderate TBI, also commonly referred to as a concussion — A moderate traumatic brain injury typically persists for months or even years after the initial injury.
- Severe TBI — The most serious TBIs can include open or closed-head injury, penetration of the skull by some object, significant swelling caused by blunt force to the skull, or tearing of tissue in or around the brain.
Symptoms of the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
With a mild TBI or concussion, it’s common to have a headache, as well as a significant bump or bruise. Many people who suffer mild traumatic brain injury experience nausea or vomiting, problems with balance or vertigo, extreme fatigue, dizziness, problems with cognitive or concentration issues, an increased sensitivity to light, changes in taste sensations, double vision, or a ringing in the ears.
A moderate traumatic brain injury can involve:
- Headaches that last days or weeks
- Loss of consciousness
- Increased irritability or behavioral changes
- Blood draining in your nose or ears
- Loss of short-term memory
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Challenges with balance, stability, or walking
- Profuse sweating
- One pupil larger than the other
Most people who suffer a severe TBI will lose consciousness and may spend time in a coma or vegetative state.
Contact the Proven Personal Injury Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has suffered injury because of the wrongful acts of others. For an appointment with a proven Texas personal injury attorney, contact us by e-mail or call us at 844-402-2992. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
