The Anatomy of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The human brain is an incredibly complex organ. It does not take much force to cause traumatic, life-threatening damage to the brain. The skull and protective tissues surrounding the brain are meant to reduce the effects of sudden trauma, but they are not always enough. Brain injuries are extraordinarily difficult to treat, but a patient's odds of survival depend on the type of injury and the judgment of the physicians treating it.

Most traumatic brain injuries are the result of direct force being applied to the skull. Usually this involves the victim's head hitting a hard surface, or an external object (such as a falling object) hitting the skull. Additionally, strong acceleration alone can cause damage. For example, the intense forces of an automobile accident can cause the brain to collide with the skull, even without anything impacting the victim's head.

Traumatic brain injuries also vary greatly in severity. Injuries caused by the brain hitting the inside of the skull are known as concussions. Concussions can cause serious damage to the brain, but less-severe concussions are common among athletes. More traumatic injuries are usually divided into two groups: "closed" injuries, where the brain is not exposed, and "open" injuries, where the brain is exposed to the air. Closed injuries may seem less dangerous, but swelling can cause brain damage.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury depend on the part of the brain affected. Since different regions of the brain regulate different parts of the body, damage to certain structures can cause specific losses of ability. Someone with a serious injury to the parts of the body that control speech may be unable to speak. More serious injuries may leave victims in a coma or permanently disabled.

Victims of traumatic brain injuries should not have to bear the burden of an injury caused by another person. A serious injury can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost income and earning potential, and years of suffering and rehabilitation. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury because of another person's negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.