Understanding the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer in an accident. Whether caused by a car crash, fall, sports injury, or workplace incident, a TBI can have lasting effects on a person’s cognitive abilities, emotional health, and physical well-being. In many cases, recovery requires extensive (and expensive) medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
At Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, we represent individuals and families throughout Ulster County and the Hudson Valley who are coping with the life-altering impact of brain injuries. Understanding the different types of TBIs is an important first step in recognizing the severity of these injuries and the potential for long-term consequences. For legal help for yourself or a loved one, contact our office to speak with an experienced and compassionate Kingston traumatic brain injury lawyer.
Closed Head Injuries
A closed head injury occurs when there is a blow or jolt to the head that does not penetrate the skull. This type of injury is common in car accidents, falls, and sports-related incidents. Even without visible wounds, the brain can be violently shaken inside the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
One of the most common closed head injuries is a concussion, which can range from mild to severe. While some concussions resolve with rest, others may cause lingering symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. More severe closed head injuries can result in diffuse axonal injury (discussed below), where the brain’s nerve fibers are damaged, often leading to coma or permanent disability.
Open Head Injuries
An open head injury—also called a penetrating brain injury—occurs when an object pierces the skull and directly damages brain tissue. Examples include gunshot wounds, shrapnel injuries as might occur in a car or truck accident or industrial explosion, or accidents involving tools or machinery.
Open head injuries are often medical emergencies that require immediate surgical intervention. Because the protective barrier of the skull has been breached, these injuries carry a high risk of infection in addition to direct trauma to the brain. Survivors may face significant challenges with speech, motor function, memory, or personality changes, depending on the area of the brain that was damaged.
Contusions
A contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain, often caused by a direct blow to the head. Brain contusions can occur alone or alongside other TBIs, such as concussions or skull fractures.
In some cases, the bruised area of the brain swells, leading to increased intracranial pressure that can be life-threatening. If the swelling or bleeding is significant, surgery may be required to relieve pressure and prevent further damage. Contusions can cause symptoms such as difficulty speaking, coordination problems, and confusion, depending on the affected brain region.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain is injured at both the site of impact and the opposite side of the head. This happens when the force of the impact causes the brain to move within the skull, striking both sides.
For example, in a high-speed car accident, a driver’s head might hit the steering wheel (coup injury) and then rebound, causing the brain to strike the back of the skull (contrecoup injury). This type of injury can result in widespread brain damage, often affecting multiple functions and making recovery more complex.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most severe forms of TBI and often occurs in high-impact accidents, such as rollover crashes or falls from significant heights. Instead of affecting just one area, DAI involves widespread damage to the brain’s white matter, which contains the nerve fibers that connect different brain regions.
This shearing injury disrupts communication between different parts of the brain, often leading to unconsciousness or coma. Even with medical intervention, many individuals with severe DAI suffer long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second impact syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from the first. This can cause rapid and severe brain swelling, leading to permanent disability or death. Although relatively rare, it is most often seen in athletes who return to play too soon after an initial head injury.
Because the effects can be devastating, medical professionals stress the importance of allowing adequate time for recovery after any head injury, no matter how mild it may seem.
Recognizing the Signs of a TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can present a wide range of symptoms, and not all appear immediately after the injury. Common signs include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory problems
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
If you suspect a TBI, seek medical attention right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help minimize long-term effects and improve outcomes.
Legal Considerations After a TBI
When a TBI is caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a reckless driver, careless property owner, or unsafe workplace, victims have the right to pursue compensation. This can include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the cost of long-term care.
TBI claims often require extensive evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction, to prove both the cause and the extent of the injury. Because of the complexity and high stakes of these cases, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential.
How We Help TBI Victims in the Hudson Valley
At Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, we understand the unique challenges TBI victims face. Our legal team works closely with medical professionals, life care planners, and other experts to build strong cases for full and fair compensation. We are committed to helping clients and their families secure the resources they need to manage the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a brain injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Kingston, Ulster County, or anywhere in the Hudson Valley, contact us online for a free consultation or call our offices in Kingston (845-331-4100), Marlboro (845-236-4411), or toll-free throughout the Hudson Valley at 800-566-4101. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
