The brain is a folded mass of grey tissue packed with millions of intensely firing neurons connected in plastic, structurally intricate units controlling every aspect of bodily functions. Naturally, then, brain injuries reflect the complexity of the organ that they afflict. As far as brain injuries go, the general public is probably familiar with concussions alone. But if you’ve experienced a car accident head injury, you know there is far more to what you’re suffering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
All car accident head injuries fall under the class of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Within the scope of TBIs are several different types of injuries. Concussions, as mentioned above, are the most common type of TBI. While the least severe, concussions can have lasting impacts, especially if the injury is repeated.
Types of TBIs
Since the skull protects the brain, it often takes the brunt in cases of car accident head injury. However, skull fractures and breaks are not technically TBIs—they can lead to several of these injuries, though.
- Contusions are distinct areas of swollen brain tissue that mix with blood from surrounding broken blood vessels.
- A sub-injury of contusions, contrecoups are injuries whereby the brain collides with the front and back of the skull due to rigorous shaking, such as in high-speed stops or shaken baby syndrome.
- A diffuse axonal injury, or shearing, occurs when individual nerve cells are damaged.
This is only a brief look at the different types of TBIs. If you’ve had a car accident head injury, you may be afflicted with any one of these injuries. Contact an Ontario personal injury lawyer to help organize and secure benefits, medical treatment, and more.
Source:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/detail_tbi.htm#292013218