If you or someone you care about has suffered a brain injury after an accident, you probably know the significant impact this type of injury can have on a person’s life. People living with a brain injury may struggle to perform their basic activities of daily living and may not be able to work and enjoy their life to the fullest.
Unfortunately, brain injuries are among the most common types of injuries in Canada. According to the Northern Brain Injury Association, more than 450 people suffer a severe brain injury in Canada every day. Below, we will discuss some of the most common types of brain injuries.
Acquired vs. Traumatic Brain Injury
All brain injuries fall into two categories: Acquired and traumatic.
Acquired brain injuries include all types of injuries to the brain that can occur at birth or as a result of a stroke, encephalitis, tumor, and other medical conditions.
Traumatic brain injuries are any injuries to the brain that occur as a result of trauma.
Leading causes of traumatic brain injuries are car accidents, bicycling accidents, and slip and fall injuries. The effects of a brain injury depend on the severity of the injury.
The Most Common Types of Brain Injuries
Depending on the severity of the trauma to the head, a person may suffer different types of brain injuries. Brain injuries can lead to permanent disability, lifelong mental impairment, and even death. Some of the most common types of brain injuries include:
- Concussion. A concussion occurs as a result of trauma to the head or neck. In most cases, victims suffer a concussion when their brain strikes the wall of the skull. Concussions are usually not life-threatening. Common symptoms of concussion include but are not limited to loss of consciousness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, altered sight, and a delayed response to questions.
- Contusion. A contusion is a bruise to the brain as a result of an injury to the head. This can result in swelling and bleeding inside the brain. A contusion can cause disruption in the normal function of the brain. Symptoms of contusion include difficulty understanding speech, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, and changes in cognition, among others.
- Cerebral edema. Often, injuries to the brain are associated with swelling, which is also known as “cerebral edema.” A heavy blow on the head can result in swelling of the surrounding tissues in the brain. Symptoms of cerebral edema include but are not limited to headache, dizziness, and memory loss.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI). This type of brain injury does significant damage to the brain cells as a result of a blunt injury to the head or the brain moving back and forth in the skull. Symptoms of Diffuse Axonal Injury include lack of consciousness, headache, confusion, and cognitive deficits, among others.
- Penetrating injury. A penetrating injury occurs as a result of a foreign object entering the skull and harming the brain. This type of brain injury is also referred to as an open brain injury because it involves an open wound.
- Skull fracture. While the skull is designed to provide strong protection for the brain, parts of the skull may break when it experiences more pressure than it can withstand. Symptoms of a skull fracture include nausea, bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, black eyes, and others.
Looking For An Experienced Brain Injury Lawyer in Hamilton?
If you or your loved one suffered a brain injury in Hamilton or elsewhere in Ontario, consider speaking with an experienced lawyer to understand your options for recovering financial compensation.
Brain injuries are typically associated with long-term effects and costly treatments. Living with a brain injury can cause financial hardships due to mounting medical bills and the inability to work. Every brain injury is different, which is why its impact on a victim’s life and their family may differ from one person to another.
For this reason, you might want to discuss your case with an experienced brain injury lawyer in Hamilton to document and quantify your damages and losses. If someone else is responsible for causing your brain injury, your lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and get your life back on track.
Our knowledgeable and results-driven brain injury lawyers at Lamont Law are dedicated to fighting on behalf of injured clients in Hamilton and across Ontario. Get a free case review with our lawyer by calling 905.529.6668 or via our contact form.
