What Are the Levels of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries commonly occur in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and workplace accidents. While they can range from mild to severe, they may not always have immediate symptoms.
If you have been in any kind of accident, it is always wise to seek medical treatment to check for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other injuries. The sooner you get medical care, the better chance you have of a full recovery.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury or TBI is an injury to the brain from a blow or jolt to the head. It can also be caused by any type of trauma that penetrates the skull. During the impact of a car accident or fall, the brain can bounce back and forth inside the skull, resulting in bleeding, bruising, and the tearing of nerve fibers.
Someone who has TBI may not realize it at first since the brain will begin to swell. Without treatment, more injury can be caused to the brain, which may lead to permanent damage.
Understanding the Three Levels of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are three levels of traumatic brain injuries that range from mild to severe:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild traumatic brain injuries can cause a temporary loss of consciousness for seconds or minutes. It is also possible for victims to experience post-traumatic amnesia for less than an hour. Brain imaging results will be normal and in most cases, those with a mild TBI will recover.
Moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries
With a moderate TBI, you may lose consciousness for an hour to 24 hours. You’ll also be more likely to experience post-traumatic amnesia. The results of brain imaging will reveal any abnormalities.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury that is severe results in the victim losing consciousness or falling into a coma for 24 or more hours. Post-traumatic amnesia is highly likely for over 24 hours of the TBI, and brain imaging results will be abnormal.
Treatment for TBI
The treatment for a traumatic brain injury will depend on the extent of the damage. If you have a mild TBI such as a concussion, you will most likely recover from the injury with rest and by following your doctor’s orders.
As for severe cases, you may need to spend days or weeks in intensive care and undergo life-saving surgery. You may also have permanent impacts to your physical and mental abilities, emotions, and personality. This will require you to get rehabilitation to help you recover and relearn any lost skills.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Suffered a TBI
If you or a loved one has been hurt in any kind of accident caused by the negligent actions of someone else and were diagnosed with TBI, it is imperative to follow all orders from the doctors. Securing legal representation via injury attorneys in Madison can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
