The human brain is well protected inside the skull, but it can still become severely injured. Most traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) develop due to motor vehicle accidents involving extreme force or speed. They can also occur when pedestrians or bicyclists are struck by a vehicle.
In most cases, brain injuries do not just disappear or heal completely. Even with immediate medical intervention, damage to the brain is often irreparable.
Is there more than one type of brain injury?
Two types of traumatic brain damage can develop after a serious vehicle crash or other head trauma. Both typically qualify as catastrophic injuries.
Penetrating, or open, brain injury. If the force you experience breaks the hard skull, it is considered an open or penetrating brain injury. Open injuries often occur when a foreign object enters the skull.
Closed brain injury. Closed injuries do not penetrate the skull. However, the extreme force of a high-speed collision can cause the brain to move back and forth inside the skull, leading to injury.
Both types of brain injury usually require extensive medical treatment, often for the rest of the victim’s life. As you might imagine, the costs associated with such treatment can overwhelm victims and their families.
What effects can a TBI cause?
The effects of a TBI vary from relatively minor cognitive problems like a shortened attention span to life-altering issues like paralysis. Other possible effects include:
- Difficulty performing self-care and daily tasks
- Many language and communication difficulties
- Heightened or reduced sensation in areas of the body
- Trouble swallowing food and liquids
- Impaired social interaction abilities
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Anxiety, depression and irritability
If your brain injury happened because of another driver’s negligence or recklessness, consider learning more about how to obtain the financial compensation you need.
