A traumatic brain injury occurs from a hard blow or jolt to the head, and the impact of the accident disrupts the normal function of the brain. A patient in Seattle, Washington, may experience several types of TBI with various causes.
Types of TBI
A TBI is classified as open, which means penetrating the skull, or closed, meaning no skull penetration. TBIs range from mild cases, commonly healing in a few weeks, to severe cases, which require long-term treatment.
A mild TBI, such as a concussion, may cause a brief loss of consciousness, but it is possible not to lose awareness. Mild TBI symptoms may include fatigue, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, headache, slurred speech and blurred vision.
A more serious TBI is a diffuse axonal injury, which forces the brain to move inside the skull, damaging the axons. Another serious TBI is hematoma, or a blood clot that develops when the blood vessels tear. Moderate to severe TBI symptoms may include seizures or convulsions, frequent vomiting, pupil dilation, persistent headaches, balance issues and confusion.
Causes of TBI
According to statistics, falls account for 40.5% of TBIs, commonly occurring from stairs and ladders. The Center for Disease Control reports that falls are responsible for half of hospital stays related to TBIs. The age group most prone to hospitalization and death from TBIs caused by falls is those 65 and older.
Motor vehicle accidents account for 14.5% of TBIs and are the most common cause of brain injury in young adults. A penetrating injury may be caused from falling objects, sports, blasts, bullets, assaults and weapons.
Even a mild TBI that heals can have a can have long-term mental effects. An injured person should seek treatment immediately regardless of how they feel. If there’s evidence of a TBI, the person may be able to sue for damages against at-fault parties.