Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control reveal that traumatic brain injuries contribute to approximately 30% of all injury-related fatalities in this country. One reason why traumatic brain injuries are so common is that they can result from a variety of incidents ranging from light blows on the head to severe car collisions. Anyone who incurs a brain injury, no matter how “mild,” should promptly seek medical attention. Every mild concussion is a traumatic brain injury.
Unfortunately, while more people appreciate the risks of traumatic brain injuries today than ever before, various misconceptions still linger about these impairments. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries as well as the truth behind them.
Misconception # 1 – A Traumatic Brain Injury Requires a Loss of Consciousness
Some people believe that if you do not pass out or lose consciousness at any point during or following the accident, you have not incurred a traumatic brain injury. This is not true. Further, loss of consciousness is far broader than being “knocked out.” A loss of consciousness also includes an altered state of consciousness, which can include a lack of memory about certain events before, during, or after an accident, and a confused or disoriented state. Mild traumatic brain injuries can temporarily impact a person’s condition, while more serious conditions including tearing of the brain, bleeding, and bruising can result in more serious disruptions.
Misconception # 2 – A Traumatic Brain Injury Requires a Person to Hit Their Head
A person can incur a traumatic brain injury even if that individual does not encounter a blow to the head from a surrounding force. A rapid movement of the head forward and backward can violently jostle a person’s brain, causing it to impact the hard surface of the skull, which can cause a traumatic brain injury. This is most commonly seen during car crashes but can occur in various other ways as well.
Misconception # 3 – Helmet Help to Avoid Serious Brain Injuries
Helmets protect the head in various cases. Many people, however, falsely believe that helmets always help to protect people from incurring traumatic brain injuries. This unfortunately is not the case.
In reality, helmets can guard the head against penetrating head wounds as well as soften the blow of impacts. Helmets, however, do not protect people from all serious injuries. Helmets routinely make the difference between serious injuries and less serious ones, but there is no promise in any situation there will not be a head injury.
Misconception # 4 – A Brain Injury Will Always Heal
Many people think that there is a cure for all types of brain injuries. This means that everyone with a brain injury ultimately heals. In reality, every type of traumatic brain injury is unique and heals at its own pace. Sometimes, traumatic brain injuries are so serious that they permanently disrupt a person’s life. Not all traumatic injuries result in full recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one incurs a head injury and someone else bears responsibility, an attorney at House Law LLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today for assistance.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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