Brain injuries are a silent epidemic. The International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) reports that there are approximately 5.3 million people living with the after-effects of a brain injury in the United States. Brain injuries can take many different forms. The severity can vary widely based on the force of the impact and the precise part of the brain that was affected.
You may be wondering: Is there a difference between a concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)? The short answer is that a concussion is a type of TBI, but not all TBIs are concussions. In this article, our Kansas City brain injury attorney highlights the key points to understand about the difference between concussions and TBIs.
Know Your Terms: Concussions and TBIs
- Concussion: A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that disrupts brain function. It often results from a blow to the head or a sudden movement (even without a direct blow to the head) that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can range in severity from mild (including concussions) to severe, potentially even life-threatening.
Understanding the Difference Between Concussions and TBIs
Concussions are TBIs. However, not every TBI is a concussion. Some concussions are deemed moderate, whereas others are extremely serious. While all concussions are considered TBIs, not all TBIs are concussions. Notably, the term ‘TBI’ can also include other serious brain injuries, such as brain contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, or penetrating head wounds. If you have sustained any type of head injury, it is imperative that you get professional care.
All Suspected Brain Injuries Require Immediate Medical Care
All suspected brain injuries should be treated as medical emergencies. They require immediate, comprehensive diagnostic care, treatment, and follow-up care by a qualified doctor. Delaying medical care can exacerbate the severity of the injury. The sooner you get medical care, the better position you will be in to make the best physical and mental recovery.
You also need to see a doctor to be eligible to bring a personal injury claim in Missouri or Kansas. The at-fault (negligent) party should be held accountable for an accident. Through a brain injury claim, a Kansas City personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent physical impairment.
Contact Our Kansas City Brain Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury lawyer has extensive experience taking on brain injury cases. If you or your loved one suffered a serious TBI in any type of accident, we are here to help protect your rights. Give us a phone call now or contact us online for a free review of your case. From our Kansas City law office, we handle traumatic brain injury cases in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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