A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is a distinction between the two. Concussions are actually a specific type of mild TBI, characterized by functional disruptions to brain communication rather than structural damage.
While concussions are considered “mild,” they can still have serious effects on a person’s health and well-being. Symptoms like headaches, memory problems, dizziness, and mood changes can persist for weeks or even months after the injury.
If your concussion resulted from someone else’s negligence, a Charleston traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How Does a Concussion Differ From Other TBIs?
A concussion is a form of TBI caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head, which forces the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This motion leads to functional disruptions in brain communication rather than structural damage.
Although concussions are classified as “mild” TBIs, they can still result in serious health complications if not properly treated. Understanding how concussions differ from other types of TBIs is essential for recognizing the severity of these injuries and seeking proper care.
A Charleston personal injury lawyer can also use your medical records to seek compensation from a liable party.
Concussions (Mild TBIs)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers concussions to be “mild” TBIs because they typically do not result in life-threatening injuries or visible structural damage to the brain. However, their effects can still be significant. Key characteristics of concussions include:
- Functional disruptions: Concussions disrupt how the brain communicates and functions, but they usually don’t cause physical damage visible on imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.
- Common symptoms: Concussions can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, and fatigue, with symptoms varying in severity and lasting anywhere from days to months.
- No immediate threat to life: Concussions are generally not life-threatening, but they can still impair a person’s quality of life if not properly managed.
- Cumulative effects: Repeated concussions or untreated injuries can lead to long-term conditions like post-concussion syndrome or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Concussions may be labeled as mild, but they can still require careful monitoring and treatment, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Moderate to Severe TBIs
In contrast to concussions, moderate and severe TBIs involve more extensive damage to the brain and often have long-lasting or permanent effects. These are typically more serious injuries that may require immediate medical intervention.
Key characteristics of moderate to severe TBIs include:
- Structural damage: Unlike concussions, moderate and severe TBIs often involve physical damage to the brain, such as bleeding, swelling, contusions, or skull fractures.
- Severe symptoms: Individuals with moderate or severe TBIs may experience prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, significant memory loss, and severe cognitive or physical impairments.
- Life–altering consequences: These injuries frequently require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and even lifelong medical care.
- Higher risk of fatality: Severe TBIs can be life-threatening and are associated with higher rates of disability and mortality than concussions.
While concussions and more severe TBIs differ in terms of severity, they all have the potential to cause lasting harm. Even a mild TBI, like a concussion, should be taken seriously, especially if someone else’s negligence caused it. Seeking proper medical care and legal assistance can help ensure that victims receive the support and compensation they need.
For a free legal consultation, call (843) 380-8350
How Negligence-Based Accidents Can Cause Concussions
Concussions often result from accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. These injuries occur when a sudden impact or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. If negligence caused your concussion, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Common negligence-based scenarios include:
Car Accidents
Concussions frequently occur in car accidents when a victim’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Distracted driving, speeding, or running red lights are common negligent behaviors behind these crashes.
Slip and Falls
Hazardous property conditions, like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, can lead to falls where a person hits their head and suffers a concussion. Property owners may be liable if they fail to maintain safe premises.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even with helmets, motorcyclists are vulnerable to concussions from the force of a crash. Negligent drivers who speed, drive distracted, or fail to yield can cause these accidents.
Truck accidents
The immense force of truck collisions can result in concussions when car occupants hit surfaces or experience violent jolts. Neglect, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, or poor truck maintenance, is often a factor.
We Can Help if You Suffered a Concussion or a TBI
Don’t take a chance wondering whether your concussion is a TBI. While concussions are a subset of TBIs, they both require immediate medical attention. If you suffered a head injury in any type of negligence-based accident, our lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation.
To discuss your case, contact The Thumbs Up Guys for a free consultation.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
