Concussion vs. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Many accidents cause injuries to the head and brain. A brain injury can lead to long-term or lifelong symptoms which may impair a person’s physical, emotional, and cognitive functions. The specific consequences of a brain injury depend primarily on what area of the brain is damaged, and how severe damages are.
Two of the greatest risks of a head injury are concussion and traumatic brain injury. While these two injuries are similar, they also differ in some key ways. Here, brain injury lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C., explain how these two injuries may impact their Brooklyn, NY, clients in both the short and long-term.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain tissues. This type of trauma usually occurs when the head is struck or penetrated, or when the head and neck jolt back and forth with such force that the brain moves within the skull, possibly causing the brain to strike against the skull.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head or body is struck. Concussions are most commonly the result of a sports injury, but they can develop after any type of accident. Concussions are usually not life threatening, but they can be serious.
Concussion and TBI Symptoms
A concussion causes many of the same symptoms as a TBI. However, concussion symptoms tend to be less severe and they usually resolve faster than TBI symptoms. Both types of injuries disrupt normal brain functions temporarily (though TBI damages can sometimes be lifelong).
Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- General confusion
- Temporary memory loss
TBIs may cause any of the above symptoms. In addition, severe TBIs can lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble with balance
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in mood
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty processing and/or expressing thoughts
- Problems with memory, focus, or attention
Besides resulting in more serious and widespread symptoms, one of the primary differences between a concussion and a TBI is that TBI symptoms tend to last much longer. Some of our Brooklyn clients suffer from TBI symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Treating Concussion vs. TBI
Concussions and TBIs are likely to be treated differently. In most instances, our Brooklyn clients recover from a concussion within a matter of weeks. Usually, the only form of treatment for a concussion is rest. Doctors usually advise concussion victims to avoid physical activities and any activities that require extended attention or concentration. It is also best to avoid activities or environments that can trigger concussion symptoms.
TBI treatment tends to be more extensive. In the immediate aftermath of a TBI it is important to ensure that oxygen is flowing to the brain and that the patient’s blood pressure remains under control. Depending on the extent of injuries, people may need surgery or other medical intervention. As people heal from a TBI they are likely to need therapy to support recovery. TBI patients may benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and/or psychological/psychiatric therapy.
Contact Our Law Firm
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can both cause significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. If another person or party caused an accident that resulted in your brain injury, the lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C., can assist you in holding them liable for damages. To learn more about your legal options, send us a message online, or call us at (718) 624-1211.
