When it comes to head injuries resulting from physical trauma, it’s important to understand the difference between a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a concussion. Although used interchangeably, these terms refer to different levels of brain injury with different symptoms, treatments, and long-term effects. Whether the injury is from a car accident, a fall, or a sports incident, knowing the nature of the brain injury is key to proper medical care and recovery.
In this blog, we will break down the differences between traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions, covering their causes, symptoms, and recovery processes, while also explaining the importance of consulting an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is when an external force damages the brain. A TBI often affects brain cells and disrupts their normal function. This can be from a violent blow, jolt, or penetration to the head which disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the damage.
Causes of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries are often caused by accidents such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or assaults. Any incident where the head is struck or moved suddenly can cause a TBI. The force may cause the brain to hit the skull or even penetrate the skull and enter the brain tissue, leading to severe injury.
Symptoms of TBI
The symptoms of a TBI vary depending on the severity. Mild TBI which includes concussions has common symptoms of headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and fatigue. These symptoms may resolve within days or weeks. Moderate to severe TBI can also lead to brain swelling, which complicates treatment and recovery outcomes. Moderate to severe TBI have more serious symptoms such as prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, coordination problems, speech difficulties, and severe cognitive or physical disability.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head which disrupts normal brain function. This injury occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull and causes temporary dysfunction of the brain. Although considered mild compared to other TBIs, concussions can still have short and long-term effects if not treated properly.
Causes of Concussion
Concussions are caused by incidents such as falls, car accidents, contact sports, or physical assaults. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head such as in whiplash can also cause a concussion without a direct hit. These injuries are common in high-impact sports like football, hockey, and boxing where repetitive head trauma is a risk.
Symptoms of Concussion
The symptoms of a concussion can vary but common signs are headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Common concussion symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some may experience temporary loss of consciousness but not always. Amnesia of the event, problems with concentration, and balance issues are also common symptoms. These symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or develop over time.
Differences Between TBI vs Concussion
While both a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a concussion involve damage to the brain there are important differences between the two. Knowing these differences is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Severity
One of the main differences between TBI and concussion is the severity of the injury. A concussion is a mild form of TBI that causes temporary disruption of brain function. Most concussions do not result in permanent damage and symptoms usually resolve with rest. TBIs can be mild to severe with moderate to severe TBIs can cause permanent disability or death. Severe TBIs can cause long-term cognitive, physical, or emotional impairment and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Symptoms
The symptoms of concussion and TBI can overlap but differ in intensity and duration. Concussions have short-term symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or sound. These symptoms usually resolve within days to weeks. Moderate to severe TBIs have more serious symptoms like prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, slurred speech, and difficulty waking up. Severe TBIs can cause cognitive deficits, memory loss, motor impairments, and emotional instability.
Mechanism of Injury
Another difference is the mechanism of injury. Concussions are usually caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, resulting from physical trauma, which makes the brain to be shaken inside the skull. This can happen in sports, falls, or motor vehicle accidents. More severe TBIs can be caused by greater force like penetrating injuries where an object enters the brain or more severe impacts that cause extensive damage to brain tissue, blood vessels, or nerve fibers.
Long Term Effects
Concussions may be disruptive but usually resolve within weeks with minimal long-term effects for most. However, some may experience post-concussion syndrome where symptoms linger for months. Moderate to severe TBIs often have significant long-term effects. Survivors of severe TBIs may experience permanent impairment in memory, speech, mobility, or emotional regulation and will need ongoing rehabilitation and support.
Treatment and Recovery
Concussion treatment is generally rest, both physical and mental until symptoms subside. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity and screen time to aid recovery. Moderate to severe TBIs often require immediate medical attention, surgery to relieve brain pressure or repair damage, and then rehabilitation. Recovery from severe TBI can be long and may require lifelong care depending on the severity of the injury.
Legal Aspects of TBIs and Concussions
The legal implications of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can be huge especially if the injury is caused by an accident or incident caused by someone else’s negligence. Understanding the legal framework of brain injuries is important for those who want to claim medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Liability and Negligence
In cases where a TBI or concussion is caused by someone else’s actions or inaction, liability may apply. Common scenarios are motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, falls due to unsafe conditions, or sports-related injuries. If someone else is found to be negligent such as a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to fix hazardous conditions, the injured person may be entitled to claim. To establish liability, evidence must show that the responsible party has a duty of care and that their negligence caused the injury.
Damages
Victims of TBIs and concussions may be entitled to claim for damages. These damages can include medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Lost wages due to missed work or reduced earning capacity if the injury causes permanent disability may also be claimed. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be recoverable, especially in severe TBI cases.
Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim is often the quickest legal route for those who have suffered a TBI or concussion due to negligence. These claims allow the injured party to claim for their injuries and losses. The process involves gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support the claim. In some cases, expert testimony especially from medical professionals may be required to prove the extent of the brain injury and its impact on the person’s life.
Long-Term Effects and Settlements
For those who suffer from moderate to severe TBIs, the long-term effects can be life-changing. Settlements or awards in these cases may need to cover lifelong medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and modifications to the injured person’s home or work environment. In some cases, structured settlements may be used to provide regular payments over time to ensure long-term care needs are met.
Wrongful Death Cases
In tragic cases where a TBI leads to death, the family of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit allows the surviving family members to claim for the loss of their loved one including medical expenses incurred before death, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death claims are complex and the legal requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Legal Representation
Since TBI and concussion cases are complex, it’s often important for the victim or their family to seek legal representation. Personal injury lawyers who specialize in brain injury cases can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary, litigate to get fair compensation for the injured party. An attorney can also help you determine the full extent of damages and make sure the settlement or judgment covers long-term needs.
Work With an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney ASAP!
If you or a loved one has suffered from a TBI or concussion due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take action. Our experienced team at Buddoo & Associates is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 404-870-3557 for a free claim review!