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Copyright 2003 Michael J. Gallagher - All Rights Reserved Brain Injury Lawyer Michigan - Gallagher Law |
Brain Injury Lawyer MichiganBrain Injury Lawyer Michigan - Gallagher Law FirmFrequently Asked Questionsabout Traumatic Brain Injury What is Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur in a number of different ways: One way is when a sudden physical assault on the head causes damage to the brain. A TBI can also occur when the skull is violently whipped back and forward, as in a rear-end collision, where the soft tissue brain is thrown forward and strikes the rigid bone growth of the skull causing a shearing affect to the delicate brain tissue. Such damage which may not be visible by a CT scan or a Brain scan, but nonetheless can impair concentration, short term memory, impulse control, mood, and temperament. Thus an actual blow to the head is not necessary to sustain a TBI. A TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. A closed head injury occurs when an object does not break through the skull. A penetrating head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. Several types of traumatic injuries can affect the head and brain. A skull fracture occurs when the bone of the skull cracks or breaks. A depressed skull fracture occurs when pieces of the broken skull press into the tissue of the brain. This can cause bruising of the brain tissue, called a contusion. A contusion can also occur in response to shaking of the brain within the confines of the skull, an injury called "countrecoup." Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause extreme countrecoup injury. Damage to a major blood vessel within the head can cause a hematoma, or heavy bleeding into or around the brain. The severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death. A coma is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. Symptoms of a TBI may include headache, nausea, confusion or other cognitive problems, a change in personality, depression, irritability, and other emotional and behavioral problems. Some people may have seizures as a result of a TBI. What is the prognosis? The outcome of TBI depends on the cause of the injury and on the location, severity, and extent of neurological damage: outcomes range from good recovery to death. Doctors often use the Glasgow Coma Scale to rate the extent of injury and chances of recovery. The scale (3-15) involves testing for three patient responses: eye opening, best verbal response, and best motor response. A high score indicates a good prognosis and a low score indicates a poor prognosis. What research is being done? The NINDS conducts and supports research on trauma-related disorders, including traumatic brain injuries. Much of this research focuses on increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them. What can Gallagher Law Firm do for me or my family? We pledge to work with you and your treating doctors and bring in other specialists, if necessary, to discover the full impact of your injury and vigorously pursue those responsible for your pain. Call Us - Toll Free 1-877-445-4446 My staff and I are compassionate, earnest, and dedicated - Michael J. Gallagher |
 With thanks to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brain Injury Link |
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