Understanding mild, moderate and severe TBIs

An injury to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 3 out of every 4 TBIs lead to concussions. Concussions can happen from sports accidents, assaults and slip-and-fall accidents and car accidents.

A concussion is the result of the head getting hit, causing the brain to rattle around the skull, which releases chemicals and can damage brain cells. These chemicals can create an imbalance in the brain and make victims feel dizzy or confused.

Some concussions can cause people to lose consciousness and experience amnesia. The longer a victim stays unconscious, the more severe the TBI often is. Let’s look at the three levels of TBI.

Mild TBIs

The majority of TBIs are considered mild. The symptoms of a mild TBI may include dizziness and confusion. Some mild TBIs can result in short-term loss of consciousness and amnesia. Amnesia is the inability to remember or process information about events that have passed.

Moderate TBIs

A victim may experience a moderate TBI if they’re unconscious for more than half an hour but no more than a day. Victims may then experience up to 24 hours of amnesia and confusion for a week. Victims may also experience long-term cognitive difficulties, such as attention deficiency, memory issues, irritability and even personality disorders.

Severe TBIs

A severe TBI is the result of someone experiencing loss of consciousness that lasts for over a day. At this point, a victim may be considered comatose. People who recover from comas may need rehabilitation. However, they still often suffer long-term cognitive difficulties and amnesia.

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI after a car accident, then you should be aware of your legal options to seek compensation. Having legal guidance can help.