Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect more than a million Americans each year with various degrees of severity. While mild TBIs may cause temporary brain malfunctions, severe injuries can have lifelong medical effects. It is essential that you have comprehensive representation from experienced Nashville traumatic brain injury attorneys to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to in order to cover your medical expenses.
What constitutes a TBI?
The Brain Injury Association of America defines traumatic brain injury as a condition that alters brain function, caused by an external force. The force could result from a bump to the head or object penetration into the skull. Ingested toxins and medical negligence can also cause TBIs. Concussions are the most common type of TBI, often accompanied by a severe headache, dizziness, or unconsciousness. Depending on the severity of the concussion, healing can take years.
The complexities of diagnosing and treating a TBI result in numerous cases going untreated each year. This increases the chances of a condition called Second Impact Syndrome, where an individual experiences an additional brain injury before the initial condition is adequately healed. Second Impact Syndrome is a common occurrence among athletes who are not properly screened or treated for TBI.
What are diffuse TBIs?
Diffuse TBIs occur when the brain is damaged by small tears in various locations. As explained by Johns Hopkins Medical, communication between nerve cells becomes impeded, with damage occurring throughout the brain. The microscopic nature of this injury makes it difficult to detect.
Diffuse Axonal TBI falls under this classification. It causes the brain’s nerve endings to shear and stretches blood vessels, sometimes leading to hemorrhaging and the introduction of toxins into the brain. Diffuse Axonal TBIs most often affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which can lead to prolonged memory loss, disorganization, and a decreased level of attentiveness.
What are focal TBIs?
Focal TBIs are less difficult to detect because, unlike diffused injuries, they are located in one area of the brain. These injuries generally result from a blow to the head or penetration of the skull. The symptoms of a focal injury depend on what area of the brain was damaged.
The knowledgeable Nashville brain injury lawyers of the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm have successfully represented numerous Nashville, Gallatin, and Knoxville TBI patients. Contact the Gladiators in Suits for experienced legal representation you can trust. Call us today at (615) 246-5549 or complete this contact form to schedule a consultation.
