The Difference Between a Concussion and A Traumatic Brain Injury in Anchorage
The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, defines a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI as a disruption of the normal functions of the brain that was caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. A TBI can also be caused by a penetrating head injury such as a gunshot wound. Anyone can sustain a TBI, especially children and the elderly. TBIs are a major cause of disability and in severe cases, death in the United States. From 2006 to 2014, the percentage of emergency room visits related to TBIs increased by over 50%.
Unfortunately, TBIs are a common injury often suffered in severe car accidents in Anchorage. Just as common, but less severe, concussions are also prevalently caused in car accidents. Oftentimes, these two injuries mimic one another in terms of onset and symptoms. The following paragraphs will outline ways to tell the difference between these two ailments.
A concussion is defined by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons as a brain injury that usually results in the temporary or prolonged loss of regular brain function. In medical terms, the definition of a concussion is a clinical syndrome usually characterized by rapid and transient altered function in the brain. This can include alterations in mental status or consciousness levels that generally are the result of trauma or mechanical force.
Concussions are often caused by direct forceful trauma to the head, like falling or getting hit in the head due to a traffic accident or other circumstance. Concussions are some of the most common, yet confusing injuries suffered in traffic accidents in Anchorage. Concussions do not always involve loss of consciousness, contrary to popular belief. Additionally, they sometimes can take a prolonged period of time to fully present symptoms. This is why it is important to always seek out professional medical advice after your involvement in any type of serious accident.
Differentiating Between the Two
Any injury suffered by the brain usually results in serious complications, be they temporary or permanent. Possessing the knowledge necessary in order to tell the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury can be helpful in the event that you or someone you love sustains an injury of this magnitude. This information may also serve to be helpful in the event that you or a loved one wishes to file a personal injury claim in Anchorage due to being involved and injured in a traffic accident caused by negligence.
Here are some of the main differences between these two injuries to the brain:
A traumatic brain injury usually takes place during a dramatic trauma, such as a severe car accident. Being knocked unconscious for thirty minutes or longer usually results in a TBI. Amnesia often results from this type of injury.
A concussion does not require periods of 30 minutes or longer of unconsciousness to occur. It also does not require a dramatic trauma to the head in order to develop. A concussion can sometimes have little to no symptoms, marking its elusive nature.
The recovery process for a Traumatic Brain Injury is often long and arduous, and sometimes life-long. TBIs can result in loss of normal brain function, which can cause problems in almost every aspect of a person’s life. In some cases, people suffering from TBIs must relearn everything, from talking to walking.
The recovery process from a concussion is not so severe, and in minor cases, a person may not even realize they have sustained one. Oftentimes people who develop concussions will experience headaches or dizziness, that being the extent of it. In more severe cases, people may experience unconsciousness and temporary loss of normal brain function.
A concussion, when paired with other injuries, can be more severe and difficult to recover from. A Traumatic Brain Injury is usually severe and difficult to recover from all on its own. When paired with other injuries, a concussion can turn into a Traumatic Brain Injury. However, a TBI can not turn into a concussion under any circumstance.
Personal Injury Attorney In Anchorage
In the event that you or someone you love has sustained a serious head injury like a concussion or a TBI in Anchorage, depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be eligible to collect financial compensation. If you sustained your injury due to the negligence of another person, contacting a personal injury attorney in Anchorage is in your best interest. The Law Office of Jason Skala in Anchorage has been successfully protecting and preserving the rights of injured accident victims for over a decade. Jason Skala, a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney in Anchorage, will work diligently on your behalf in order to provide you with full and fair financial compensation in the event that you qualify.
Contact our law firm in order to be connected with a personal injury attorney who will be able to inform you of your eligibility toward financial compensation.