Traumatic brain injury is classified as either open or closed. In an open injury, something has penetrated through the skull and into the brain. This can happen from falling objects or flying debris during an accident. When there is an open injury, infection is of great concern, in addition to bleeding and swelling of the brain tissue.

Closed injury means that the skull is intact. In these injuries the force of the brain moving inside the skull causes tearing, inflammation and bleeding. While infection is not usually a concern, rising pressure within the skull can be deadly. As pressure goes up from the bleeding and inflammation, it’s harder for oxygen and nutrients to move through the blood vessels and reach the brain tissues. This can lead to cellular death.

When the brain is severely injured it’s common to be unconscious for a period of time. Medications will also be used to keep the injury victim sedated. The goal is to keep pressure within the brain as low as possible as the brain recovers and begins to heal. For most individuals with severe brain injury, the accident and recovery period are not remembered, and short term memory loss may continue for some time.

Long Term Complications

Nearly half of individuals with a severe injury have complications which last at least a year if not longer after the accident. These include: emotional disturbances, such as personality changes and depression; problems with hearing and vision; difficulty balancing and controlling a variety of fine motor tasks; long term concentration and memory problems.

How We Can Help

There has been a great deal of research into traumatic brain injury in the last decade and we are learning that complications manifest in unique ways for different people. These complications affect every aspect of life, from engaging with others to being able to work. It’s advisable to speak with an attorney if you or a loved one sustained traumatic brain injury. As rehab doc, Dr. Greg Vigna has cared for TBI patients for nearly 20 years and understands the long term needs. As a personal injury attorney he has your best outcomes at the forefront. Contact us today to speak with Dr. Vigna.