A traumatic brain injury (or TBI) is a term used to describe various types of injury sustained to the brain. These are acquired injuries, meaning the term does not apply to brain injuries induced by birth trauma, ones that are hereditary, congential or degenerative, or caused by toxic substances, or disease-producing organisms. Traumatic brain injuries occur as the result of an incident during his or her lifetime.
This type of injury is defined as one that is caused by a sudden incident that leads to damage of the brain, including violent impacts, piercing of the skull, or other accidents that cause long-term effects. These may be the results of nearly any type of situation, from a fall to a vehicle accident, and they are always to be considered serious and handled with the utmost caution.
Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The severity of a traumatic brain injury can vary, as can its longevity. Some traumatic brain injuries may cause lifelong symptoms and permanent damage, while others may be relatively mild and overcome within a matter of time and/ or through physical rehabilitation. Symptoms can range from mild, such as headaches and dizziness, up through the most severe symptoms of coma and death.
Any type of traumatic brain injury should be seen as a reason to seek treatment immediately, since the severity of the injury may not be immediately apparent and because, due to the sensitive nature of the brain, time may be of the essence to prevent further damage caused by bleeding, oxygen loss, or other potential side effects.
Traumatic brain injuries may also be difficult to prove in court, in the event you are suing the person responsible for the injury. Because of this, you will need to keep careful and detailed medical records, such as the results of MRI and CT scans, in order to receive compensation from a defendant or insurer in the event you suffer a traumatic brain injury. Consulting with a lawyer who can assist you in proving your injury and gathering evidence is advisable.