A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to damage to the brain caused by an external force – such as a car accident or a fall. The brain is about 3-4 pounds of extremely delicate soft tissue floating in fluid within the skull. Under the skull are three layers of membrane that cover and protect the brain. The brain tissue is soft and therefore can be squeezed, pulled, and stretched. When there is a sudden speeding up or slowing down, the brain can move around too much inside the skull, resulting in injury.
Is a Concussion a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. TBI’s are classified as mild, moderate and severe. The severity of the injury refers to the degree or extent of brain tissue damage.
Typically, doctors estimate the degree of damage by:
- Measuring the duration of the loss of consciousness
- The depth of coma and level of amnesia (memory loss)
- Through brain scans.
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Statistics
Recovery typically depends on the classification of the TBI. Around 20 percent of those who survive a severe closed head injury, or 40 percent of all survivors reach a good recovery. Good outcome doesn’t necessarily mean recovery back to their baseline prior to the injury.
Those with a mild TBI usually have the most rapid recovery occurring in the first three months post-injury. Most people are back to normal by six months. There is a good chance that those who still have some symptoms after six months will still see improvement within a year after the injury.
People who are under 40 recover faster and have less symptoms during the time they are recovering. Those over 40 may not recover as quickly and may have more symptoms at first. Getting enough rest after the injury helps the healing process.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI statistics from Centers for Disease Control indicate that in 2014, falls (52%) and motor vehicle accidents (20%) were the first and second leading causes of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Approximately 17 percent of all TBI-related emergency department visits in the United States in 2014 were due to being struck by or against an object.
How Habush Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you know has suffered a TBI, you should hire an attorney with experience and knowledge on the topic. The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Habush Habush & Rottier will be able to understand your injury, spot issues, and work to maximize your damages.
