After being diagnosed with a concussion, you may wonder about the difference between a traumatic brain injury and a concussion. The term “traumatic brain injuries” is a catch-all phrase meant to describe any injury that impedes the brain’s normal function, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Concussions are one type of traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can be fatal and cause life-long health complications if left untreated. By seeking medical care and following through with your treatment plan, you can work to remedy your condition.
Understanding the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Healthline reports that some of the most common traumatic brain injuries include skull fractures and scalp wounds.
However, they can also include:
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
This type of injury damages brain cells. When this happens, a person may experience permanent brain damage that impedes their day-to-day function. Diffuse axonal injuries can also result in swelling, which can, in turn, lead to the loss of even more brain cells.
Concussions
You may suffer a concussion when the brain shakes back and forth in the skull. This could happen during a car accident or when you fall to the ground. Most concussions are not life-threatening; however, this does not mean that they should be taken lightly. You should still see a doctor to discuss your condition.
Edema
Also known as “brain swelling,” edema can put pressure on your brain as it swells against the interior of the skull. Some symptoms of edema can include headaches, irregular breathing, vomiting, and dizziness.
Hemorrhage
When there is bleeding inside of the brain, an injured person may experience headaches. Over time, brain bleeds can cause pressure to build inside of the brain, leading to further complications.
Hematoma
A hematoma can result in serious brain damage if left untreated. When the blood inside of the brain clots, a person may lose consciousness.
No matter how minor you may think your injury is, you should still seek medical attention. Some traumatic brain injuries can become fatal if left untreated. You do not want to take any risks when it comes to your health.
Situations that Can Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mayo Clinic reports that traumatic brain injuries can result from a host of situations.
You may have developed a traumatic brain injury as a result of a:
Motor Vehicle Accident
Upon impact, you may have struck your head against the car’s interior. This could cause a closed brain injury, which happens when an object does not penetrate the skull.
Product Liability Injury
When certain products do not work as intended, they could harm consumers. Some products that could result in traumatic brain injuries include four-wheelers, aerosol sprays, and bicycles.
This is not meant to serve as an exhaustive list.
Medical Costs Associated with a Traumatic Brain Injury
The type of treatment you will receive for a traumatic brain injury will rest on the details of your condition. For instance, if you suffered a concussion, your doctor may recommend resting. However, if you suffered a hematoma, you may need to be hospitalized and undergo surgery.
Treatment for a traumatic brain injury can quickly become expensive––especially if it is accompanied by other conditions.
If you were injured in a car accident, dog attack, or another type of incident, some of your medical-related costs might include:
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- In-home nursing
- Medications
- Assistive devices, like a foam collar
- Wheelchairs or crutches
- Doctors’ copays
You may incur other losses depending on the nature of your condition.
After Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury, Call Bressman Law
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, you still might have questions about the difference between a traumatic brain injury and a concussion. Whether you suffered a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury, you could recover compensation for your losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Bressman Law can help you with your personal injury case. We can determine the cause of your Dublin accident, talk to your doctors, and pursue financial recovery. Call us today to learn more about how we can put our 30 years of legal experience to work for you.
Call Bressman Law today at (877) 538-1116. Your first case review is offered at no obligation.