Traumatic Brain Injury – Types, Symptoms and Demographics

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is one of the common types of brain injuries, affects over 1.7 million people. Some traumatic brain injuries are minor, causing short-term health issues. Others cause massive brain damage. It is not possible to diagnose this type of injury based on symptoms. If you or your loved one suffers a head injury, go for immediate medical assistance. This could save your life and may also prevent from severe effects of brain injuries.

Here are common types of traumatic brain injury:

Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury

This type of brain injury occurs when there is a serious impact on the brain. This causes damage to the affected area and on the opposite side of the brain. As Coup-Contrecoup brain injuries need a significant impact, their symptoms are severe. This type of brain injury usually occurs in a motor vehicle crash, where the head is moved forward in acceleration and then moved back in deceleration.

Concussion

A concussion is also known as a mild traumatic brain injury. This type of traumatic brain injury accounts for thousands of emergency room visits every year. This injury jolts your brain. Concussion brain injuries range from mild to severe. People who suffer multiple concussions may face concussion-related syndromes or a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This type of brain damage can affect your mood, behaviour and brain functioning.

Brain Contusion

Brain Contusion is a bruise or a mild form of bleeding under the skin. It is quite similar to a concussion. If this injury doesn’t stop bleeding on its own, it needs to be surgically removed. The extent of this traumatic injury depends on the size of the bleeding, the affected area of the injury and the effects of surgery.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Paralysis
  • Coma
  • Breathing Problems
  • Cognitive Problems
  • Vision Problems
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Numbness in Body
  • Difficulty in Swallowing Food
  • Slow Pulse and Breathing Rate
  • Speech Difficulties
  • Loss of Bladder/Bowel Control
  • Inappropriate Emotional Responses

Demographics of Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Annual Traumatic Brain Injury costs are estimated to be $48-56 billion.
  • There are more than 230,000 hospitalizations for TBI every year.
  • Among children ages 14 and younger, TBI causes around 2,600 deaths, 37,000 hospitalizations and 430,000 emergency room visits.
  • 80,000 people experience long-term disabilities associated with Traumatic Brain Injury.
  • Males represent 79% of TBI accidents and females represent 21% percent.
  • National statistics show that 50-70% of TBI accidents are the result of a motor vehicle accident.
  • Sports contribute to around 20% of all TBIs among American children and adolescents.
  • The mortality rate for Traumatic Brain Injury is approx. 50,000 deaths in the U.S. annually.
  • Deaths from head injuries account for more than 30% of all traumatic deaths. Old age people have the highest death rate after this type of injury.

Pittsburgh Brain Injury LawyerIf you or your loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Pittsburgh due to someone’s negligence, seek legal support. It is advisable to find one of the experienced attorneys or lawyers. A professional Pittsburgh Brain Injury Lawyer/Attorney or Law Firm will help you get the maximum possible compensation for your case.