Brain Injury

• Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injuries
• Types of Brain Injuries

Every year millions of Americans are treated for brain injuries. Major types of brain injuries include traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries. Of the two, traumatic brain injuries often require emergency medical service. This is because of the nature of emergency and unexpected onset of injury.  

 Traumatic Brain Injuries

 This medical condition is a direct result of a trauma or injury to the brain caused by the head hitting a blunt object (blunt trauma) or a sharp object (penetrating trauma). Signs and symptoms vary and the severity of the injury is based on what part of the brain is affected or the severity of the impact. Traumatic brain injuries require immediate medical condition and needs emergency care.

• Blunt Trauma. Brain injuries due to blunt trauma may not be as visible as those seen in penetrating head injuries. Patients may suffer from decreased brain functions and loss consciousness before they are finally sent for medical attention. They are often more dangerous than penetrating head injuries because precious minutes are lost before treatment is finally administered to the patient.

Brain injuries are dangerous because of their long term effects on the patient. If left untreated, pressure builds up in the brain causing irreversible brain damage. Internal bleeding may occur and the constant buildup of blood exerts pressure to brain resulting to dizziness and eventual loss of consciousness.

• Penetrating Trauma. Brain injuries caused by objects penetrating to the head area require immediate medical attention. These could be differentiated from a simple head scratch by the appearance of a clear liquid escaping from the head wound. The brain area is protected by the skull and a clear liquid which serves to absorb shock and prevent brain injury.

The brain is a highly vascular organ and requires large amount of blood to function properly. Blood contains nutrients and oxygen which support proper brain functioning. If the hemorrhage is left untreated, brain cells die and irreversible brain damage occurs.

 Acquired Brain Injuries

The medical term refers to brain injuries suffered as a result of other medical conditions such as strokes, seizures, heart attacks and trauma. Unlike traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries are a result of a continuous degradation of brain functions due to in insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain. Overtime, this results to cell death and loss of normal brain functioning.

Additional Legal Information: Attorney Elan Wurtzel, offices located at Plainview, NY.