Medical research has made significant progress in developing advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods to improve outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Researchers are constantly working to enhance our understanding, diagnosis, and management of TBIs through dedicated studies and scientific advancements.

When accidents result in severe head or brain trauma due to negligence, it is essential to seek proper legal guidance. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury, our team of experienced injury lawyers can assist you. Contact us today at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for a free consultation.

Brain injuries can occur due to various causes, some more common than others. Here are several common causes of brain injuries:

• Falls: Falling from heights, slipping and falling on uneven surfaces, or tripping can lead to head injuries and subsequent brain damage. This is particularly common among young children and older adults.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can all result in traumatic brain injuries. The impact force during these accidents can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to injury.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, and boxing carry a higher risk of brain injuries. Repeated blows to the head or severe impacts during these sports can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Assaults and Violence: Physical assaults, domestic violence incidents, and other acts of violence can result in traumatic brain injuries. The intentional application of force to the head can cause severe damage to the brain.
• Workplace Accidents: In certain occupations, such as construction or industrial work, accidents involving falls from heights, falling objects, machinery malfunctions, or exposure to hazardous substances can lead to traumatic brain injuries.
• Explosions and Blasts: Military personnel and individuals near explosions or blasts, such as those caused by industrial accidents or acts of terrorism, are at risk of sustaining brain injuries. The shockwave and resulting impact can cause significant damage to the brain.
• Medical Negligence: Errors during surgical procedures, medication mistakes, birth injuries, or misdiagnosis can all lead to brain injuries caused by medical negligence.

It’s important to note that these are just some common causes of brain injuries, and other factors can be specific to individual cases. If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, seeking medical attention and legal guidance is crucial.

Brain injuries can be classified based on various factors, including the cause, severity, and location of the injury. Here are some standard classifications of brain injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): This category includes brain injuries caused by external forces, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, or assaults. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries with long-lasting effects.
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): An acquired brain injury refers to brain damage that occurs after birth and is not caused by external physical force. This includes brain injuries from strokes, infections, tumors, anoxia (lack of oxygen), metabolic disorders, or toxic exposures.
• Closed Head Injury: This type of brain injury occurs when there is no penetration or open wound on the head, but the brain sustains damage due to impact or sudden deceleration. Closed head injuries can result in concussions, contusions (bruises), or diffuse axonal injuries (widespread damage to nerve fibers).
• Penetrating Head Injury: Unlike closed head injuries, penetrating head injuries involve a foreign object penetrating the skull and entering the brain. These injuries can cause localized damage and a higher risk of infection and other complications.
• Mild, Moderate, and Severe Brain Injury: Brain injuries are often classified based on severity. Mild traumatic brain injuries like concussions typically result in temporary symptoms and do not cause lasting damage. Moderate brain injuries involve more significant symptoms and may result in long-term impairments. Severe brain injuries are characterized by a prolonged loss of consciousness and severe functional impairments.
• Focal and Diffuse Brain Injury: Focal brain injuries are localized to a specific area of the brain, usually resulting from direct impact or trauma. On the other hand, diffuse brain injuries involve damage that is spread throughout multiple areas of the brain. Diffuse axonal injury is an example of a widespread diffuse brain injury.
• Primary and Secondary Brain Injury: Primary brain injury is the immediate damage during impact or trauma. Secondary brain injury is the subsequent damage that develops over time due to physiological changes and processes triggered by the primary injury, such as inflammation, brain swelling, or reduced blood flow.

Understanding the classification of brain injuries helps healthcare professionals determine appropriate treatment strategies and predict potential outcomes for patients. It is essential to consult with medical professionals to accurately diagnose and classify brain injuries based on individual circumstances.

The specific treatment options for brain injuries can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Here are some possible treatment options that healthcare professionals may consider:

• Emergency Care: For severe brain injuries, immediate medical attention is essential. This may involve stabilizing the patient’s condition, ensuring proper oxygen supply, controlling blood pressure, and addressing other life-threatening complications.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and address specific issues associated with brain injuries. For example, painkillers may alleviate headaches, anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to prevent seizures, and diuretics may reduce brain swelling.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address complications caused by a brain injury. This can involve removing blood clots or hematomas, repairing skull fractures, relieving pressure on the brain, or removing damaged brain tissue.
• Rehabilitation Therapy: Depending on the extent of the brain injury, rehabilitation therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain lost skills and improve overall functioning. This can include physical therapy to improve mobility and coordination, occupational therapy to regain daily living skills, speech therapy to address communication difficulties, and cognitive therapy to enhance cognitive abilities.
• Assistive Devices and Adaptive Techniques: For individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities resulting from a brain injury, using assistive devices and adaptive techniques can significantly improve their quality of life. This may involve mobility aids, communication devices, memory aids, and other assistive technologies.
• Psychological Support: Brain injuries can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on individuals and their families. Psychologists or counselors may provide therapy and support to help cope with the emotional and behavioral changes that can occur after a brain injury.

It’s important to note that treatment plans for brain injuries are individualized based on each patient’s specific needs. The healthcare team, including doctors, specialists, and therapists, will assess the injury and develop a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to the individual’s condition and goals.

The video below explains how doctors treat patients with traumatic brain injuries.

If you have suffered severe head trauma in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence and need legal guidance, call our experienced Fresno brain injury attorneys at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly case advice.

See a list of past cases on our verdicts and settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 6.12.23] Image: By “sbtlneet” via Pixabay [cs 1200]}