duction in the flow of blood to the brain. The cerebral atrophy leads to brain shrinkage. Shrinkage increases the distance between the brain and skull. Changing velocities within the skull when involved in a car accident may stretch and tear small bridging veins which run to the surface of the brain. This type of injury is more common in the elderly given the shrinkage of the brain.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
A closed head injury results from a blow to the head for example when the head strikes the windshield or dashboard. This can result in a skull fracture, bruising of the brain, bleeding of the brain, laceration or tearing of the brain as well as nerve damage.
In addition to the primary brain damage associated with a closed head injury, secondary damage may occur. This includes swelling of the brain which may result in movement of the brain from the mid-line. A shift from the mid-line found on a CT scan may indicate a poor prognosis. The displacement of the brain from the mid-line can cause compression and inadequate flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Brain compression may also cause sugar depletion to brain cells and may impair brain cell function and cause permanent neuronal damage.
Traumatic brain injury can also give rise to neuro-chemical changes in the brain including increased excitary amino acids which can cause swelling and neuronal death as well as an influx of calcium which can cause further brain damage. Secondary brain damage can also include increased intra-cranial pressure, infection, low or high blood pressure and cardiac changes.
Cases involving traumatic brain injury are often complex and will typically involve issues which should be discussed with a personal injury attorney.
A concussion is the most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury. Concussion typically involves temporary impairment of neurological function. Imaging of the brain such as a CT scan normally shows no structural change to the brain as a result of a concussion.
According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, concussion may involve physical disruption of the brains synapses. Headache is the most common symptom of a concussion. A person who has suffered a concussion may also experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea, confusion, motor problems and difficulties with balance.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed guidelines for the grading of a concussion. A Grade I concussion involves confusion and symptoms that last less than 15 minutes with no loss of consciousness. A Grade II concussion involves symptoms that last greater than 15 minutes with no loss of consciousness. A Grade III concussion includes the loss of consciousness.
Some patients who suffered a concussion develop post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome involves symptoms of a concussion which lasts for weeks, months or years. Post-concussion syndrome may occur in mild traumatic brain injuries or more moderate and severe cases.
Prognosis of a patient with a traumatic brain injury
Most traumatic brain injuries are mild and do not cause permanent or long-term disability. However, even a mild traumatic brain injury has the potential to cause significant long-lasting damage. Patients with even mild traumatic brain injury may experience cognitive and social impairment which can continue over the course of their lives.
At Dwyer & McDevitt we have experience representing young and elderly clients who have suffered anywhere from mild to severe traumatic brain injury as the result of trauma. For example, we represented a 74-year old woman who suffered multiple facial fractures and post-traumatic dementia as a result of being hit by a box truck. A variety of complex issues including her medical history, the amount of brain damage initially diagnosed and a period of moths in which she did not require medical care presented challenges in proving the extent of her injury. The case was eventually resolved by way of settlement at mediation for the sum of $2,350,000.00.
Free, Immediate Consultation
If you or a loved one hav