Traumatic brain injury (known as TBI) occurs when a force causes trauma to the brain. TBI is normally classified based on severity or mechanism (whether the result of a penetrating head injury or closed head injury).

TBI is caused by a variety of personal injuries but is very common in automobile accidents and falls. This is due to a mechanism known as coup-countercoup taking place.  A coup-countercoup injury is the bruising of the brain and the damage to its internal tissue and blood vessels.   The bruise created by the trauma is called a coup lesion (pronounced COO).   The brain then may jolt backwards striking the skull on the opposite side causing another bruise known as a counter coup lesion.  This coup-countercoup mechanism can cause shearing or tearing of the brain’s internal lining, tissues, and blood vessels causing internal bleeding, bruising, and/or swelling of the brain.

If the TBI is milder in severity it will be classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).  A person suffering a MTBI may or may not experience a loss of consciousness. It is not uncommon for someone who has suffered a MTBI to be unaware of whether he or she has experienced any loss of consciousness at all.  

 

Symptoms of MTBI can include:

 

• Headache

• Confusion 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

• Nausea

• Blurred vision or tired eyes

• Ringing in the ears

• Bad taste in the mouth 

• Fatigue or lethargy

• Behavioral or mood changes 

• Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking  

 

A person exhibiting any of these symptoms in relation to any type of accident should seek professional medical treatment immediately.  

At the Law Office of Brett A. Burlison we are dedicated to providing victims of traumatic brain injury with the representation they deserve.