What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries typically involve transient periods of some type of neurological dysfunction which can range from brief periods of confusion or dizziness to headaches and/or seizures, sometimes involving nausea. The term concussion is oftentimes used interchangeably with the term “mild traumatic brain injury” or MTBI. The Quality Standards Subcommittee of The American Academy of Neurology has recognized that concussions may occur without the loss of consciousness. There are three grades of concussions according The Academy of Neurology. A Grade 1 concussion involves transient confusion with no loss of consciousness where the symptoms resolve within 15 minutes. A Grade 2 concussion occurs where there is transient confusion and no loss of consciousness with other mental status abnormalities that last more than 15 minutes. A Grade 3 concussion is where there is a loss of consciousness either for a matter of seconds or minutes. As stated above, the term concussion sometimes is used interchangeably with the term “mild” traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
Experts from The Centers For Disease Control define a case of MTBI as “the occurrence of an injury to the head arising from blunt trauma or acceleration or deceleration forces with one or more of the following conditions attributable to the head injury: any period of observed or self-reported transient confusion, disorientation or impaired consciousness; dysfunction of memory around the time of injury; or loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes.” MTBI may also include observed signs of other neurological or neuropsychological dysfunction such as seizures acutely following injury to the head; irritability, lethargy or vomiting following a head injury, headaches, dizziness, irritability, fatigue or poor concentration.
The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States is motor vehicle crashes. As we have written in prior entries, most cases of traumatic brain injuries resolve within a matter of weeks or months but a certain percentage of people (10-15%) suffer lifetime consequences. For those who suffer chronic and persistent problems, a traumatic brain injury can be a life altering event affecting all aspects of their daily living. The symptoms do not go away and disrupt the ability to work, sleep and concentrate. Debilitating headaches and fatigue can also be an problem. Victims of traumatic brain injury following a car accident – if lucky – will recover. If not, they will need an attorney as the long term consequences can be extremely significant for the victim and their families.