Is a Concussion Considered a TBI?

Posted on February 14, 2023 in Personal Injury

Despite being less severe than other head injuries, concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries (TBI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical authorities. Indeed, they are the most common type of TBI. Even a “mild” concussion can cause serious symptoms and long-term consequences.

Concussions vs. Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden external jolt or blow to the head damages the brain. Most TBIs are closed-head injuries – that is, nonpenetrating injuries that do not break the skull. Closed-head injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, and sports. Penetrating head injuries, on the other hand, break the skull and pierce the brain. They are often caused by gunshots, flying debris, and sharp objects.

A concussion is a closed-head injury often resulting from a hard blow to the head or a force that shakes or jolts the brain.

According to Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurry vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Confusion or brain fog
• Fuzzy memories around the time of the injury
• Feeling dizzy or seeing stars
• Slurred speech
• Temporarily losing consciousness
  

What Are Some of the Long-Term Symptoms of a Concussion?

Some concussion symptoms do not show up until a few days or weeks after the initial injury. These delayed symptoms may include:

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleeping too much or insomnia
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Changes to the sense of smell and taste
• Depression and other mental health disorders
  

Furthermore, concussions and other brain injuries, even “mild” ones, can leave patients more susceptible to degenerative neurological diseases like dementia. 

Do Concussions Cause Brain Damage?

Concussions can and do cause brain damage, though the extent of the damage varies. Some patients heal from concussions relatively quickly, while others may experience symptoms for months or years after the trauma. The force of the blow, how soon a patient begins treatment, and other factors may determine how long concussion symptoms last.

What Part of the Brain Is Affected by a Concussion?

Research shows that patients with concussions may have noticeable brain damage years after the initial blow. Concussions can damage several parts of the brain, including the frontal lobes, temporal lobes, and hippocampus. Among other functions, these areas of the brain play a critical role in movement and coordination, speech, hearing, learning, and memory.

What Happens Inside the Brain During High Impact?

A hard blow to the head or a violent shake can cause the brain to move around and strike the skull’s interior. These sudden movements can damage brain tissue and lead to bruising or contusions, damaging neurons and affecting brain function. Sometimes, the brain rotates within the skull, stretching blood vessels and damaging axons, which help conduct nerve signals within the brain.

Contact Our Greenville Brain Injury Lawyers

A concussion can be a severe injury that affects the rest of your life. If you suffered a concussion in an accident, The Melonakos Law Firm wants to help. Contact our Greenville brain injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

Michael Melonakos

Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.