What Is the Difference Between a Concussion and a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Both concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common head injuries after a personal injury accident. Although they might sound different, a concussion is actually a type of TBI.

Concussions: Mild Forms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries have different severities. When someone suffers from a TBI, the symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

A concussion falls into the “mild” category for a TBI. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Memory or concentration issues
• Nausea or vomiting
• Problems staying asleep
• Loss of taste or smell

Although concussions are considered “mild,” do not ignore them. If you have symptoms after a blow to the head, see a doctor immediately. Head injuries can be unpredictable and need regular medical attention.

More Severe Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussions are usually mild forms of TBIs. However, concussions and TBIs can also be more serious. Severe brain injuries can have symptoms like:

• Loss of consciousness
• Headaches that don’t go away or get worse
• Being sleepy or unable to wake up
• Repeated nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Mental health problems

Severe brain injuries need medical care immediately. These injuries can escalate quickly and even become life-threatening.

Concussions and other TBIs can change someone’s life in many ways. The brain injury might make it challenging to work, live, and communicate in the same way. Someone’s behavior could change widely, impacting personal relationships and more.

Common Causes of Concussions and Brain Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussions happen because of:

• A blow, bump, or jolt to the head; or
• Something hitting the body that causes the head to move back and forth.

Auto accidents, slip and falls, abuse, and sports injuries are common causes of head injuries. If someone suffers a head injury, another party might be liable for the damages.

An external blow often leads to a TBI. Sometimes, a brain injury also happens when the brain collides with the inside of the skull. Either situation can be life-changing and potentially fatal.

Treatment for a Concussion

If someone might have a concussion, they should see a doctor right away. A doctor will usually start with physical and neurological exams. The exam might include:

• Checking the person’s thinking abilities and memory
• Assessing the patient’s balance and vision
• Ordering imaging like a CT scan or MRI to look for fractures, bleeding, or inflammation

Concussions usually heal with proper treatment. A doctor might advise rest and limiting daily activities until the person recovers.

Treatment for TBIs

Many TBIs are more serious than concussions. If someone has a TBI, they should get medical treatment immediately. Treatment for a TBI might include:

• Providing the patient with enough oxygen to the brain
• Monitoring the person to prevent worse brain injury
• Ordering x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to check the brain for fractures, bruising, or contusions
• Surgery if the brain has ruptured blood vessels that need removal

Brain injuries can take weeks, months, or many years to heal. The details will depend on how the brain damage happened and its severity.

Rehabilitation for Brain Injuries

Brain injuries often require long-term help. You might need services like:

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Speech or language therapy
• Support groups

Moderate and severe TBIs often need these types of therapy. Professionals can help you adjust to a different life with a brain injury. Thankfully, many people can live a happy life with the right treatment and care.

No matter how a doctor describes a head or brain injury, it’s still serious. Do not delay getting treatment to ensure you heal as fully as possible.

Seeking Compensation After a Concussion or TBI

Concussions and other brain injuries might be the grounds for a legal case. If someone else’s actions were at fault for your head injury, you have rights. You might have a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

A brain injury can affect your life in many ways. If you were not responsible, you shouldn’t have to pay. Your legal case can seek compensation for:

• Doctor and hospital bills
• Prescription medications
• Surgeries and other procedures
• Future or long-term medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Brain injuries often require physical therapy or rehabilitation. You might need help adjusting to a new “normal” after the accident. A head injury can also impact your mental health and the changes that come with that.

A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping brain injury victims for over 25 years. Our team can get you started today with a FREE consultation.

To get your free consultation, call (404) 400-4000. You can also fill out our online contact form.

What to Do After a Brain Injury from an Accident

If someone else caused your accident, you might be able to recover your treatment costs and more. Here are some ways you can start building a case:

• Report the accident that caused your injuries to the police
• Take pictures of the accident scene
• See a doctor as soon as possible
• Get copies of all medical records
• Save all evidence of your damages
• Be careful when talking to the at-fault party’s insurance company
• Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer

The at-fault person’s insurance company usually pays for the damages. However, insurance companies will look for reasons to pay less than you deserve. It’s best to speak with a lawyer before talking to the insurer. Also, do not accept a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer first.

Talk to an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer for Free Today

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are serious conditions. If you have a brain injury from an accident, you have legal rights. You might be entitled to financial recovery for your losses.

John Foy & Associates is here to help. With 25-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We’re also not afraid to “strong-arm” the insurance companies and fight for your rights.

Call us at (404) 400-4000 to get started with a FREE consultation. You don’t pay us a thing unless we win you money.