In the United States, almost 100,000 suffer from serious traumatic brain injuries that require medical attention. More often than not, these injuries hinder the individual’s ability to perform routine, everyday activities. Brain injuries can happen as a result of a vehicular accident, slip and fall, and even sporting activities where the head sustains a severe blow.
There are two types of brain injuries – open and closed. The former means that the skull is fractured, and is likely to be caused by accidents such as slips and falls, or any other event where the head comes into heavy contact with a hard object or surface. The latter on the other hand does not involve a fractured skull, but can become more dangerous as the brain may swell and apply pressure to other parts of the skull – causing the formation of blood clots. Regardless of the type of injury, the most severe cases of both can lead to permanent damage or even death. 
What are the warning signs of a brain injury? While at times it may be difficult to pinpoint an actual injury, it is important to know the signs of a person who is suffering from a brain injury. Here are some of the things to watch out for:
- Difficulty recalling recent events
- Confusion
- Unusual sluggishness or exhaustion
- Dizziness and nausea
- Severe, painful headache
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body
If you find that you or a loved one displays the above symptoms following an accident, then it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Furthermore, there are people who are already suffering from brain injury and still feel as if they are fine. Therefore, it is best to always go to a doctor and seek medical assistance to ensure that any injuries are addressed as soon as possible.
What are the common types of brain injuries? One of them is bruising, which is a typical result of vehicular accidents, slips and falls, and sporting accidents. The force applied to the head can cause the brain to move back and forth, which can cause it to bruise and bleed.
Another type of brain injury is tearing. Imagine a block of ice that is heavily hit by a hammer – cracks will form, but the whole piece stays intact. The force of a collision can cause tears in the brain – which could affect nerves and parts of the brain. As a result, its victims can feel the effects on the part of the body that the injured part controls.
Swelling is another type of brain injury. While the body’s healing process usually involves the specific part to swell, it is rather dangerous for the brain as there is no room for movement. The brain is enclosed by the skull, and being enclosed in pressure could result in intra-cranial pressure. This can cause a serious impairment of bodily functions and in more severe cases, death.
The lawyers of W.T. Johnson have been handling brain injury cases for years, and have been winning them for victims who have endured so much pain and loss only because of the negligence of others. If you have questions about a possible case you would like to file, contact us today.
