If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a hypoxic brain injury, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney in Dallas for a free initial legal consultation. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the person or party who caused your brain injury in pursuit of financial compensation. Whether or not you have the right to recover financially depends on the circumstances surrounding your injury.

What Is a Hypoxic Brain Injury?

There are two types of brain injuries: traumatic and acquired. A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external source of trauma, such as a bump or blow to the head. An acquired brain injury is caused by internal problems. A hypoxic brain injury is a type of acquired brain injury. Both types of brain injuries have the potential to be severe or catastrophic, meaning they can inflict permanent brain damage on the victim.

A hypoxic brain injury describes damage inflicted to the brain due to decreased oxygen flow to the brain’s cells. An anoxic brain injury describes a complete loss of oxygen to the brain. Brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen to survive and function correctly. Oxygen deprivation can result in the permanent impairment of a brain cell’s function. After approximately four minutes, oxygen deprivation can cause brain cell death.

Symptoms and Effects of a Hypoxic or Anoxic Brain Injury

There is no such thing as a minor brain injury. A hypoxic brain injury at any level is a condition that must be taken seriously. A hypoxic or anoxic brain injury can lead to short-term or long-term symptoms for a survivor, such as:

• Headaches
• Slurred speech or trouble communicating
• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of memory
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble balancing
• Motor impairment
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Personality changes
• Facial drooping
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma or death

Whether or not a victim can make a full recovery from a hypoxic brain injury depends on the circumstances, the diagnosis and the individual. Treatments such as therapy and rehabilitation may help a patient recover.

Hypoxic Brain Injuries and Medical Malpractice

You may be able to recover financial compensation after being diagnosed with a hypoxic brain injury if there is proof that one or more parties reasonably could have prevented your injury with due care. If a defendant committed a negligent act or omissions and this caused your hypoxic or anoxic brain injury, the defendant may be held civilly liable (financially responsible) for your related losses and damages.

To be negligent means to use less than an appropriate amount of care. Two of the most common examples of negligence in association with acquired brain injuries are medical malpractice and birth injuries. A few types of medical malpractice can cause brain hypoxia. For example, if an anesthesiologist uses too much anesthesia or improperly intubates a patient, this could interrupt the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in a hypoxic or anoxic injury.

A birth injury could also cause brain hypoxia. A baby’s brain is delicate while still in development. Any interruption to its oxygen supply before, during or shortly after birth can cause permanent brain damage. If a doctor fails to monitor fetal vital signs and notice that a baby is losing oxygen due to umbilical cord prolapse, for example, the doctor may not react appropriately to restore oxygen flow. If there is proof that any type of negligence caused or contributed to your hypoxic brain injury, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer in Dallas

Always contact a brain injury attorney after being diagnosed with a hypoxic brain injury. An attorney can help you with the complicated legal process, including identifying what caused your injury and fighting for a fair financial recovery on your behalf. Although no amount of money can make up for a brain injury, a positive case outcome can give you the ability to move forward with greater peace of mind. Contact The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. today for a free consultation about your case.

If you recently suffered a brain injury in an accident in Texas and plan on filing a lawsuit against the person or party at fault, you will need what is known as a life care plan. A Texas life care plan is a document that lists all of your current and latent medical needs and their related costs. This document is used in cases involving catastrophic injuries to create a blueprint of how much money the plaintiff will need to pay for future medical care. Ask about a life care plan as part of your lawsuit when consulting with a brain injury attorney in Dallas.

What Is a Life Care Plan?

A life care plan is a projection of what an individual will need in terms of medical care and health care costs after suffering a serious injury, such as a catastrophic brain injury. It takes into account everything a brain injury victim will need on a medical level now and in the future. During a brain injury lawsuit, your life care plan should include virtually all medical needs from now until your recovery or date of death, including:

• Surgeries and other medical treatments
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Psychological therapy
• Medication needed
• Medical devices
• Live-in care
• Social service needs
• Special education
• Household needs
• Home or vehicle disability modifications
• Travel expenses

What is included in a life care plan for a brain injury lawsuit will depend on the specific needs of the individual. The life care plan is created after an in-depth look at the individual’s current and future limitations, disabilities, neurological state and needs. The care plan will ask what kind of care is required to meet the individual’s needs now and in the future. It will also consider inflation, substitute caregivers and the cost of replacing devices, as needed.

Why You Should Establish a Life Care Plan After a Brain Injury

A life care plan will become a vital piece of evidence to prove your losses in a brain injury lawsuit in Texas. Your life care plan will support you or your attorney’s assertion that you will suffer myriad economic consequences connected to your brain injury. Your life care plan will break down the specific medical treatments and interventions that you will need in the foreseeable future so that an insurance company, judge or jury can assign an appropriate amount of financial compensation. Without an accurate life care plan, you may not recover fair and full financial compensation for your expenses.

It Is Important to Use a Qualified Life Care Planner

It is extremely important not to take any chances when it comes to creating a document as important as a life care plan. With so much at stake during your brain injury lawsuit, always entrust the preparation of your plan with a qualified life care planner who is well-versed in the long-term consequences of a brain injury. This is the only way to be sure that your care plan does not leave anything out.

Once you accept an insurance settlement or personal injury judgment award, you generally cannot reopen your case or renegotiate for a higher amount – even if you later discover that your brain injury will cost more than you originally thought in medical expenses. This is why it is imperative to make sure the settlement offered is fair and just before you say yes. You can do this using a comprehensive life care plan prepared by a qualified professional.

A brain injury survivor deserves the best possible life that he or she can enjoy. This can be achieved with help from financial compensation won from the party that caused the injury. A fair financial award can help you or your family pay for the best available medical treatments and necessary care far into the future. Learn more about how to recover fair and full compensation for your brain injury with assistance from a life care plan by contacting an attorney in Dallas.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect the ability to move, balance and control the muscles. Children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy will experience lifelong impairment of their motor function. Sometimes, cerebral palsy is caused by an injury to the brain that takes place during birth or shortly after the child is born. If you believe that your child’s cerebral palsy is connected to a preventable birth injury, your family may be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault physician or hospital.

When Can You File a Lawsuit for Cerebral Palsy?

Not all cerebral palsy diagnoses mean a family has the right to file an injury claim in Texas. Most cases of cerebral palsy are congenital, meaning they arise from issues with the development of the brain before birth. They can stem from infections, low birthweight, premature birth and many other causes. Sometimes, the cause is not known. In some cases, however, cerebral palsy can be traced back to medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice could cause cerebral palsy by failing to keep a baby safe before, during and after the delivery process. This can lead to brain damage and related disorders, including cerebral palsy. One of the most common issues connected to cerebral palsy is brain hypoxia, or reduced oxygen flow to the brain. Brain hypoxia or anoxia (a total lack of oxygen) can arise during a complicated birth, such as one with umbilical cord prolapse.

It is a doctor’s responsibility to detect emergencies and promptly respond. If a doctor negligently fails to monitor a baby’s vital signs during the birthing process, he or she may not notice that the baby has lost oxygen. This can lead to a delayed response and permanent brain damage. If a reasonable and prudent physician would have done something differently and prevented the brain damage, the doctor in question could be liable for related injuries and disorders.

Proving a Cerebral Palsy Claim

If your family files a cerebral palsy lawsuit, it is up to you as the plaintiff to prove the claim that is being made. You or your attorney must prove your claim based on a preponderance of the evidence, or clear and convincing evidence of fault. Evidence that you may be able to gather to support your cerebral palsy case can include:

• Medical records
• Medical expert testimony
• Sworn testimony from the defendant
• Eyewitness statements
• Proof of losses

In general, you or your attorney will need to prove that 1) a doctor-patient relationship existed between the child with cerebral palsy and the doctor, 2) the doctor breached the medical industry’s standard of care during delivery, and 3) the resultant birth injury is what caused the disorder. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your claim.

Statute of Limitations

Your family only has a limited amount of time to file a civil lawsuit for cerebral palsy. In Texas, the statute of limitations on a medical malpractice case is two years from the date of the alleged act of malpractice or the date that you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the link between your child’s cerebral palsy and malpractice. If you file later than two years, you will most likely give up the right to recover any financial compensation.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney

Cerebral palsy claims in Texas are complicated and can come with many challenges. One of the best things that you can do from the onset of your case is hiring an experienced and qualified personal injury attorney to represent you. An attorney can immediately take over the most difficult aspects of your claim, such as identifying the defendant and gathering evidence. Your attorney can fight for fair financial compensation for your child’s cerebral palsy while your family focuses on the future.

To learn more about how an attorney can benefit you during a cerebral palsy lawsuit in Dallas, contact The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one gets diagnosed with a brain injury after a preventable accident in Dallas, Texas, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you in many different ways. If you are entitled to bring a brain injury claim against one or more parties for causing your injury, an attorney can stand by your side through every phase of the legal process. A skilled and experienced brain injury lawyer in Dallas can do many things to help you through this difficult time.

Preserving and Collecting Evidence

An attorney can take the necessary steps to investigate the incident that gave you a brain injury and search for signs or evidence of fault. Evidence is crucial for your brain injury lawsuit. It refers to information, photographs, statements and other data that proves that what you are claiming is true. To win a personal injury lawsuit, you need enough clear and convincing evidence to show that the defendant named is more likely than not responsible for causing your brain injury. This is known as a preponderance of the evidence. An attorney can help you collect this evidence before it is too late.

Filing a Claim

Filing a brain injury claim in Texas has an involved process. You must acquire, fill out and submit the required paperwork before the state’s deadline, known as a statute of limitations. This deadline is two years from the date of the injury, in most cases. An attorney can take care of the paperwork and filing requirements on your behalf so that you don’t make any mistakes that could interfere with your ability to recover financial compensation.

Hiring Brain Injury Experts

Many brain injury cases require a relevant medical expert, such as a neurologist or neurosurgeon, to testify on the plaintiff’s behalf. Medical experts can provide testimony to support key case elements, such as the type of brain injury suffered, the symptoms the victim is experiencing and the victim’s prognosis for recovery. An attorney will have connections to qualified medical experts in your region to help strengthen your claim.

Establishing the Damages

In addition to proving that a defendant is at fault for causing a brain injury in Texas, you will also be required to prove your damages. These are the losses that you suffered in the accident or because of your injury. They may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Losses of income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damage
• Psychological harm
• Permanent disability
• Lost enjoyment or quality of living
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Punitive damages

An attorney can help you prove your losses through evidence such as photographs, medical bills, an injury journal, expert testimony and eyewitness statements. Then, your attorney can argue for maximum financial compensation for these damages using aggressive legal strategies.

Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial

It can be difficult to go up against an insurance company on your own as a brain injury survivor or family member. Insurance companies use many tactics to take advantage of clients, including undervaluing injuries and rejecting valid claims. An attorney can go up against an insurance company on your behalf, either negotiating for a fair settlement or taking your brain injury case to trial, if necessary. Unlike an insurer, an attorney will want to maximize your financial recovery, as he or she won’t get paid unless you do.

Providing Emotional Support

One of the most important benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer during a brain injury lawsuit is receiving emotional support. Your lawyer will be there to answer your questions, provide counsel that you can trust and protect your best interests every step of the way. Your attorney will be your advocate in all things. You can focus on your recovery or on building a better future for you or your loved one while an attorney handles the legal side of your case. Hiring a lawyer can give you greater peace of mind when you need it the most.

To learn more about how a brain injury attorney can help you, contact The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. today.

If an accident in Texas gives you or a loved one a spinal cord injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Bringing a claim against the person or a party who is at fault for causing your injury can result in financial compensation for your related expenses and losses. However, a spinal cord injury claim can be complicated and require assistance from a qualified attorney in Dallas. Breaking down this type of case into the basics can help you understand what to expect.

Grounds for Filing a Claim

First, recognize the legal grounds for filing a spinal cord injury claim under Texas law. Not all spinal cord injury survivors have the right to bring causes of action or recover financial compensation. To be able to file this type of lawsuit, you must have reasonable grounds to hold someone else accountable. Three potential grounds include:

1. Negligence. Negligence is the most common option. It is the failure to exercise proper care, resulting in harm or injury to others.
2. Strict liability. Strict liability means that someone is financially responsible for an accident regardless of actual negligence or intent to harm.
3. Breach of warranty. A breach of warranty refers to a failure to fulfill a promise or guarantee.

You must identify your type of case and the legal basis of your lawsuit before you can proceed. If you were injured in a car accident, for example, you will most likely base your claim on negligence. If you were injured by a defective product, on the other hand, you may be able to base your case on strict product liability or a breach of warranty.

How to Prepare for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

Once you know the legal grounds for your lawsuit, you can start to collect information and evidence to support your claim. Preparing for your spinal cord injury lawsuit in advance allows you to preserve key evidence, such as statements from eyewitnesses before the details become fuzzy. Do your best to collect the following evidence leading up to a lawsuit:

• Photographs
• Video footage
• Copies of accident reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical documentation
• Proof of your losses

An attorney can help you collect the evidence that is necessary to prove your claim. The requirement for a successful spinal cord injury claim is a preponderance of the evidence, or clear and convincing evidence that demonstrates that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing your injury.

Filing Your Claim

You must file a personal injury claim within your state’s statute of limitations. This is a law that places a deadline on the ability to file. In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident or injury discovery. You should wait until you reach your point of maximum medical improvement (the point where your doctor believes your spine injury will not improve any further) to file for fair compensation, but be sure not to surpass the time limit.

When you are ready to file, an attorney can help you fill out and file the necessary paperwork in your county’s civil court. On your claims paperwork, you will need to identify the defendant(s), describe the grounds for your claim and list your losses. The defendant will then be served this paperwork and your claim will be initiated.

Compensation Available for a Spinal Cord Injury

Most spinal cord injury claims achieve settlements outside of court. If an insurance provider refuses to treat you fairly, however, your case may have to go to trial. A successful settlement or judgment award could pay you for many losses associated with your injury, including past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The compensation that your family receives could allow you to move forward with less financial stress.

For more information about spinal cord injury claims in Texas, contact The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C.

No one plans on sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If the unexpected happens and you or a loved one suffer a brain injury, however, it is critical to prepare for the process ahead. You may need to hire a traumatic brain injury attorney in Dallas if someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused your injury. Seeking the advice of a legal professional can ensure the protection of your rights at a critical time in your life.

What Caused Your Traumatic Brain Injury?

Not every traumatic brain injury gives the victim the right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. In Texas, an injured victim will only have grounds to seek financial compensation if another person or party caused or contributed to the injury in question.

Some of the most common accidents that cause traumatic brain injuries and give the victim the right to file a lawsuit are:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip, trip and fall accidents
• Ladder falls
• Sports impacts
• Physical assaults, abuse or violence
• Explosions

These types of incidents are often preventable and stem from someone else’s negligence, such as a distracted driver or careless property owner. In personal injury law, negligence is the failure to apply an adequate amount of care based on the circumstances. If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your TBI, you may need an attorney to assist you with the claims process.

Do You Have a Complicated Case?

If you do have grounds to file a lawsuit in Texas, you could be eligible for financial compensation for your past and future medical expenses, physical therapy, medications, surgeries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to obtain a fair amount for a traumatic brain injury – especially a severe TBI that will result in long-term economic and noneconomic damages.

If your traumatic brain injury case involves any of the following complications, it is imperative to hire an attorney to help you navigate the legal process:

• Long-term or permanent effects from a TBI
• Ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
• The inability to work
• Multiple at-fault parties
• A liability dispute between insurance companies
• Lack of adequate insurance coverage
• Wrongfully denied insurance claim

Obstacles during a brain injury claim can get in the way of your ability to obtain the financial compensation your family needs to pay for necessary medical care. Only a personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge, resources and experience to successfully handle these issues if they arise.

How Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Help?

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay a penny in attorney’s fees unless he or she obtains financial compensation for your damages. This can help you make a decision if you were hesitating based on the cost of an attorney.

If you are not sure whether you need a traumatic brain injury attorney to represent you during a claim, review all of the ways an attorney can help you during a claim. A TBI lawyer can:

• Connect you to brain injury specialists in Dallas
• Answer your legal questions
• Investigate your accident
• Collect and preserve key evidence
• Obtain copies of medical records and police reports
• File an insurance claim on your behalf
• Negotiate for the compensation you deserve
• Take your TBI case to trial, if necessary

Most importantly, a traumatic brain injury attorney in Dallas can give you the peace of mind you need to concentrate your attention on healing and recuperating. You can rest assured that your attorney is fighting for justice and maximum financial compensation on your behalf while you focus on medical treatments and rehabilitation.

For more information about how a traumatic brain injury attorney can help you, request a free consultation at The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C.

The brain is an all-important organ that is responsible for controlling voluntary and involuntary bodily functions. Most patients fully recover from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that cause short-term disruptions to the brain’s ability to properly function. Some, however, suffer severe TBIs with long-term effects that last for months, years or life.

Loss of Motor Skills

The brain controls the body’s motor system, mostly using the frontal lobes. It sends outputs for coordinating movements through the spinal cord to move specific muscles. If a certain part of the brain gets injured and can no longer function the way it should, this can affect the victim’s motor function and fine motor skills.

Some of the long-term physical effects of a traumatic brain injury may include difficulty walking, standing, jumping, holding heavy items, balancing, coordinating complex movements and writing. Although physical therapy and rehabilitation can help, with severe traumatic brain injuries, the impact on the victim’s motor skills can be permanent.

Sensory Effects

A TBI can impact the sensory and perceptual parts of the brain, leading to long-term changes in hearing, vision and sensation. A severe brain injury can result in hearing problems such as chronic tinnitus, diminished hearing or increased sensitivity to sounds. It can also cause long-term blurred vision, involuntary eye movements and loss of vision. Some patients also note trouble with touch, such as difficulty perceiving temperature and mixing up touch and pressure.

Cognitive Difficulties

Damage to any part of the brain can result in long-term cognitive challenges. Some patients are able to restore their cognitive abilities over time with exercises, treatments and therapies. Others, however, suffer long-lasting cognitive problems, such as:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory loss
• Difficulty thinking or problem-solving
• Trouble with math or reading
• Problems with comprehension
• Lack of attention span
• Trouble concentrating
• Problems with motivation
• Impaired reasoning
• Impaired empathy towards others

The cognitive effects of a traumatic brain injury can make it difficult or impossible for a victim to return to his or her normal life. The victim may have to receive training for a different type of career, for example, or may struggle in school.

Trouble Communicating

If the part of the brain in charge of speech and language (the left hemisphere) gets injured, it can impact the victim’s ability to articulate ideas and correctly use language to communicate. The victim may also have physical trouble using the tongue and throat, leading to difficulty talking and swallowing. These issues can reduce a victim’s quality of life by blocking the ability to communicate.

Personality or Behavioral Changes

Many patients with serious brain injuries report changes in their moods, personalities and behaviors. This is because the limbic system of the brain governs emotions, thoughts and feelings. Changes to how the brain works after a serious injury can lead to long-term alterations in how the victim acts and behaves. The victim may be more prone to outbursts, anger or irritability after a TBI, for example.

Increased Risk of Certain Medical Conditions

Studies have shown that suffering a brain injury puts a patient at an increased risk of developing certain medical and mental health conditions later in life. Even if the victim appears to have fully recovered physically from the TBI, he or she can remain vulnerable to mental health disorders for decades. These may include:

• Psychiatric disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Second-impact syndrome
• Brain diseases
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

It is not always possible to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Many victims experience long-lasting or chronic effects that significantly interfere with their lives. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in an accident in Dallas, do not hesitate to contact an attorney for legal advice on how to fight for justice and financial compensation.

Traumatic brain injuries and mental health have a close connection. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to many physical, emotional and behavioral changes in a survivor. These changes could cause an overall decrease in a survivor’s enjoyment and/or quality of life. A TBI may also cause conditions such as depression and anxiety. Together, these factors unique to TBIs could ultimately increase the risk of suicide.

TBIs and Suicide

 Multiple studies have shown a link between TBIs and suicidal thoughts and actions in survivors. Most of these studies identify the highest risk of suicide in the first six months after a brain injury. Daily struggles with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and cognitive issues can drive some patients to suicide. The risk of suicide is around three times as high in the first six months after a TBI than afterward, according to some estimates. An extensive study in Denmark, however, focused on the long-term increases in the risk of suicide for people with TBIs.

 In the long term, a traumatic brain injury can alter the way the brain works, making it difficult for a survivor to do things he or she used to be able to do easily. These may include exercising, enjoying favorite activities, engaging in sports or hobbies, playing with kids, comprehending basic facts, and communicating with loved ones. A TBI can impact communication, comprehension, basic math skills, memory, motor skills and more. These changes can lead to depression in survivors, who may start to feel hopeless or frustrated about the future. Issues such as losing one’s job can exacerbate these feelings.

 A TBI can also impact a survivor’s emotions, leading to feelings the person may not have had before. These can include frustration, irritability, insensitivity, aggression, anger and sadness. Personality changes and issues such as mood swings and outbursts are also common. Overwhelming negative feelings on top of difficulties with day-to-day activities or an overall decrease in quality of living can increase the risk of suicide for someone with a brain injury. 

Warning Signs of Suicide in a TBI Survivor

 If you have a loved one who survived a traumatic brain injury, keep the increased risk of suicide in mind. Watch for any potential warning signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. Life events such as divorce, substance abuse, unemployment, or depression diagnoses can make suicidal thoughts or actions even more likely. Detectable signs can mean a heightened risk of suicide in the following minutes or days. Act quickly to get your loved one help if you notice any red flags.

• Making statements about suicide
• Threatening self-harm
• Seeking access or information to means of suicide
• Talking about feelings of hopelessness
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Posting about suicide on social media
• Purchasing a gun
• Refusing to receive treatment for depression
• Isolating oneself
• Abusing alcohol and/or drugs
• Displaying severe mood swings

 If you notice any potential signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in your loved one, take immediate action. Request assistance from a crisis hotline 24/7, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). Do not leave your loved one alone. Call 911 if you have an emergency. Tell a trusted friend or family member about what is happening. Encourage your loved one to talk about his or her feelings with a professional. Do not keep any promises to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Offer support by being someone your loved one can talk to, setting up professional assistance, encouraging communication, and reassuring him or her that things will get better.

Your Legal Rights as Someone With a TBI

 If you or a family member sustained a traumatic brain injury in a preventable accident in Texas, consider your legal rights while you seek treatments for your physical and emotional injuries. The person who caused your accident may be legally responsible for your TBI and related treatments – including psychological care and therapies. A defendant may be liable for your emotional distress, mental anguish and lost quality of life as well as your economic damages. Contact a Dallas brain injury lawyer for advice about a TBI lawsuit and emotional distress.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have numerous detrimental effects. Though each injury is unique, a person with a TBI may experience emotional disturbances, changes in cognition, memory loss, insomnia, and other symptoms. It can be difficult to understand the differences in the types of TBI, which may go by different names. Learn the varying degrees of TBI and what to expect from each condition.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is one of the mildest types of TBI. It results from an external force, such as blow or bump to the head. Concussions may also arise from falls or other outside trauma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the most common causes of concussions are falls, motor vehicle accidents, playing recreational sports, and violent crime.

A concussion usually results from the brain making contact with your skull. A doctor may describe a concussion as a mild TBI, because it’s usually not life-threatening. Still, concussions vary widely in severity and may lead to long-term complications, especially if the victim suffers multiple concussions or does not receive appropriate treatment.

Concussions can present a variety of symptoms and warning signs, including:

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Disorientation or mental confusion
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Inability to concentrate

Treatment for a concussion generally involves resting the brain. This means no driving, reading, playing sports, or even watching TV. With appropriate treatment, a concussion will typically resolve within a few days and the victim can resume normal activity with a doctor’s approval.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Other types of brain injuries fall under the realm of TBI, with classifications of mild, moderate, or severe. In general, a TBI is any injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head or a violent shaking motion. A TBI can greatly affect a victim’s capacity to learn, think, and control his or her emotions.

A TBI is an acquired injury (meaning not present at birth) that creates a partial or complete impairment or functional disability. The effects may be physical, cognitive, or social. A person who suffers a TBI may have trouble with:

• Emotional regulation
• Thinking
• Judgment
• Language
• Memory
• Attention
• Problem solving
• Information processing
• Speech
• Sensory perception

TBIs may arise from car accidents, falls, or other forms of trauma. In children, TBIs may occur from abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome.

Symptoms of TBI

The symptoms of a TBI may vary significantly depending on the nature of the injury and the area of the brain involved. A person with a diagnosed TBI may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Cognitive symptoms such as difficulty speaking, mental confusion, an inability to concentrate, difficulty recognizing everyday items, or amnesia
• Whole body symptoms such as loss of balance, dizziness, fatigue, or fainting
• Behavioral symptoms such as inappropriate reactions to stimuli, aggression, lack of emotional regulation, repetition of words without purpose
• Mood changes such as anxiety, apathy, or anger
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Sensory issues such as sensitivity to sound or light
• Eye changes such as dilated pupils, uneven pupils, or dark circles under the eyes
• Miscellaneous symptoms such as headache, bleeding, blurred vision, depression, seizures, or ringing in the ears

A concussion and a TBI may be terms people use interchangeably, but they have notable differences. A concussion is a form of TBI, and a mild one at that. Moderate or severe TBI can greatly affect a victim’s quality of life, often permanently. The effects of a concussion, on the other hand, are generally temporary. Concussions and TBI are similar in that they represent serious medical conditions that require appropriate care and follow-up treatment.