4 Types of Brain Injuries and 3 Levels of Severity
Ryan Zavodnick | December 10, 2021 | Birth Injury
Brain injuries can range in severity. They also come in different forms. This overview will explain four of the most common types of brain injuries. It will also cover the three main levels of severity.
That said, even a “minor” brain injury can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Anyone who sustains this type of injury should strongly consider meeting with an attorney to discuss their case. They may be eligible for compensation if another person is responsible for the injury.
4 Common Types of Brain Injuries
The four main types of brain injuries are as follows:
Concussions
A concussion occurs when the brain bounces against the skull or twists around inside of it. This can cause chemical changes that may result in memory loss, sudden loss of consciousness, mood changes, and more. Concussions are usually the result of a blow to the head.
Brain Contusions
A bruise on your skin is a sign that blood vessels beneath the skin have broken and leaked. Just as the skin can be bruised, so can the brain. This is called a brain contusion. Like concussions, brain contusions are often the result of a blow to the head. Slip and falls are a common cause of brain contusions.
Penetrating Injuries
As the name implies, a penetrating brain injury happens when an object pierces the skull and comes into direct contact with the brain itself.
There are various ways in which one might suffer this type of brain injury. For example, a car accident can result in a component of a vehicle piercing a victim’s skull.
Anoxic Injuries
An anoxic brain injury happens when the brain suffers a lack of oxygen. Such injuries are quite serious. After being deprived of oxygen for a mere five minutes, a brain will start losing cells.
Be aware, these are not the only types of brain injuries a person can sustain. They are merely among the most common.
3 Levels of Brain Injury Severity
Some brain injuries cause relatively minor difficulties. Others can result in long-term struggles or even death. The severity of different brain injuries can be broken down into the following three levels:
Mild
The most severe symptom of a mild brain injury is loss of consciousness for a few minutes at most. Often, those who sustain mild brain injuries don’t lose consciousness at all. However, they may experience other symptoms, such as feeling dazed.
Even if a brain injury qualifies as mild, it may still require medical care. It is essential to see a doctor right away if you have reason to suspect you’ve experienced a brain injury of any kind.
Moderate
Those who sustain moderate brain injuries may lose consciousness for several hours. Additionally, they might experience symptoms like confusion following their accident. They may also experience cognitive difficulties for months.
Severe
Severe brain injuries involve penetration of the skull or some other form of significant harm, such as a crushing blow. Victims of severe brain injuries may lose their lives. Those who survive such injuries are often left with symptoms for the rest of their lives. For example, someone who sustains a severe brain injury could be left with permanent memory problems or emotional/behavioral changes.
Again, it cannot be overemphasized: You need to seek medical treatment immediately if you after a brain injury, regardless of the severity. You should also meet with an attorney to discuss your accident. If you were involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other relevant losses.
Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
