Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most serious injuries people can experience in a car accident. These injuries can be so severe that they are sometimes fatal. Non-fatal TBIs can also cause long-term issues, such as trouble with memory or personality changes.
Exactly how a traumatic brain injury impacts someone is going to depend on numerous factors, such as the severity of that injury, the type of TBI that occurred and the area of the brain that was injured. As such, it’s important to look at the different grades and types of TBIs that may happen. The following is not an exhaustive list but delves into some of the most common grades.
A closed TBI
In the majority of cases, a brain injury is going to be “closed.” Nothing penetrates the skull or physically injures the brain itself. Instead, it is the movement within the skull that causes harm, swelling or bleeding. For instance, when someone gets into a car accident and hits their head on the dashboard, their brain impacts the front inner wall of their skull violently during the collision.
An open TBI
The opposite of this, of course, is an open TBI or a penetrating injury. This could happen when the skull itself is broken or penetrated by some sort of object – such as metallic shrapnel from a car accident.
A complicated TBI
Some traumatic brain injuries are more complicated than others, often because they are changing. An example of this could be if there is bleeding around the brain or excessive swelling of the brain tissues. These injuries can be especially dangerous and prompt medical care may be needed to address these complications.
A severe TBI
When a TBI is severe, it is often accompanied by unconsciousness. If this lasts for more than a day, it’s an especially serious injury. The patient may need to have a CT scan or an MRI carried out on their brain. They may need life support or be in a coma for a certain amount of time. These are the types of injuries that are often life-changing, even for those who survive.
When a car accident leads to such serious injuries, the cost of medical care can be very expensive. Those involved need to know how to seek financial compensation.