May 26, 2021
There are two types of brain injuries, and while they can have similar effects, their causes are different. An acquired brain injury occurs because of an underlying medical problem, such as a tumor or a stroke. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs due to something outside the body acting on the head in a violent or impactful way. Specific types of traumatic brain injury can have different causes.
1. Open Head Injury
An open head injury occurs due to a foreign object penetrating the brain after first punching through the skull. It is called open because the object breaks through the skin on its way to the brain. Bullets and shrapnel are common causes of open head injuries, but any object that strikes the head with enough force to penetrate the skull may result in this type of injury.
2. Closed Head Injury
A closed head injury occurs when something strikes your head with enough force to cause a traumatic brain injury, but there is no foreign object penetrating the skull, nor any breaking of the skin. Examples of closed head injuries include concussions and contusions, which can range in severity.
The skull is usually very effective at preventing injury to your brain, so the mere fact that you hit your head does not necessarily mean that you have a TBI. However, any unusual and troubling symptoms after you hit your head should be evaluated for evidence of a traumatic injury.
3. Severe Shaking
Violent shaking back and forth can cause tearing of nerve tissue, leading to brain damage. While anyone can potentially get hurt by this type of treatment, very young children are especially vulnerable. Not only are their brains still developing, but they also lack muscle stability in their neck, meaning that the effects of the shaking can be even more severe. For this reason, the damage that results is often referred to as shaken baby syndrome.
4. Whiplash
Whiplash refers to a single, involuntary, violent back-and-forth motion of the head and neck as opposed to rapid shaking. Car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, are among the most common causes of whiplash. While whiplash is known primarily for injuries to the neck, there is evidence that it can also contribute to brain injuries. For example, people with whiplash are more likely to develop Chiari malformation, a condition in which part of the brain extends down into the spinal column. It can cause headaches and other neurological symptoms. A brain injury lawyer like one from Hall Justice Law Firm can help you file a claim. One of our attorneys may be able to help you collect damages for a brain injury caused by someone else’s actions. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.