Brain injuries can be a life-changing experience for individuals and their families. A brain injury can affect a person’s memory, behavior, movement, and overall quality of life. These injuries happen in different ways, from car accidents and falls to sports activities and workplace incidents. Knowing the types of brain injuries and understanding the impact each one can have is important for anyone affected by them, especially here in South Carolina, where these injuries are common. Each type of brain injury has its own set of challenges, and recovery may require both medical and legal support. This guide will explain the main types of brain injuries, including concussions, contusions, and more severe forms, such as traumatic brain injuries, and how they impact individuals differently. At, Christian & Christian Law, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
The Most Common Brain Injury
Concussions are one of the most frequently occurring types of brain injuries. A concussion usually happens when there is a sudden blow to the head or the body, causing the brain to move quickly within the skull. This movement can stretch and damage brain cells, leading to symptoms like confusion, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes nausea. Many people assume that concussions are mild, but even a mild concussion can affect memory and attention, making it hard for someone to return to their normal routine.
One of the difficulties with concussions is that symptoms can show up right away or take hours or even days to appear. While some people recover quickly, others might experience long-term issues. Repeated concussions are especially dangerous because they can lead to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which affects mood, behavior, and thinking abilities. Athletes in sports like football, soccer, and boxing are at higher risk of concussions, but they can happen to anyone involved in an accident or fall.
Bruising on the Brain
A contusion is a bruise on the brain that happens after a direct impact to the head. This type of injury damages small blood vessels and can lead to bleeding and swelling. Unlike a concussion, which affects brain function without any obvious physical damage, a contusion physically injures the brain tissue. Contusions can vary in severity; some are mild and heal over time, while others are more severe and may require surgery to relieve pressure from bleeding or swelling.
In some cases, contusions can be dangerous because they increase the risk of blood clots forming in the brain. If a blood clot develops and is not treated, it can restrict blood flow, leading to further brain damage. Symptoms of a contusion include memory problems, confusion, difficulty with balance, and changes in mood or behavior. Recovering from a contusion often involves rest, medical observation, and sometimes physical therapy to help the person regain full function.
Founded in 1975, Christian & Christian has deep roots in the community. 
Only Serving People, Never Companies
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury, commonly known as TBI, is a serious type of brain injury caused by a strong blow or jolt to the head. TBIs range from mild to severe and can have a lasting impact on the victim’s physical and mental abilities. In cases of severe TBI, a person may lose consciousness for an extended period, experience difficulty speaking or moving, and may even have long-term memory loss. TBIs can affect a person’s ability to perform basic tasks, and in severe cases, they might require lifetime care.
TBIs are classified as either open or closed injuries. An open TBI occurs when an object pierces the skull, like in the case of a bullet wound. A closed TBI happens when there is a strong impact to the head without any break in the skull. Both types can cause serious damage to the brain, including swelling, bleeding, and pressure buildup. Recovery from a TBI often involves a team of doctors and therapists, as the individual may need help relearning basic skills such as walking or speaking.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
A diffuse axonal injury, or DAI, is one of the most severe types of brain injuries. This injury happens when the brain moves back and forth quickly, causing the long connecting fibers in the brain, called axons, to tear. DAIs commonly occur in high-impact situations, like car accidents or falls from great heights. The tearing of axons disrupts communication between different parts of the brain, leading to serious effects on the person’s ability to think, feel, and move.
People with a diffuse axonal injury may be in a coma for a long period or experience severe cognitive and physical challenges. Since the injury affects the entire brain, it can impact many different functions at once, making recovery difficult. Treatment usually includes intensive rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, and even then, some individuals may experience permanent impairments.
Anoxic and Hypoxic Brain Injuries
Anoxic and hypoxic brain injuries occur when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, leading to cell damage or death. An anoxic brain injury is when the brain completely loses its oxygen supply, while a hypoxic injury is when the oxygen levels are lower than what the brain needs to function normally. This type of brain injury can happen during events such as near-drowning incidents, cardiac arrest, or complications during surgery.
Without enough oxygen, brain cells start to die quickly, which can lead to memory loss, concentration issues, and changes in movement and behavior. Recovery from an anoxic or hypoxic brain injury depends on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen. Mild cases may lead to some memory or concentration problems, while more severe cases can result in significant physical and mental challenges. Therapy is often needed to help individuals relearn skills that may have been lost due to the injury.
Everyone there was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. My car was totaled, and I was a little intimidated talking with a couple of other lawyers in Greenville. But with Christian and Christian, not only did they answer my questions, but they did so in a way that made what could have been a hectic situation, easy. Overall, an excellent experience with high quality lawyers who truly go above and beyond and really try to get you the results or answers you need. I met Josh like 4 years ago when my Son was injured at Daycare. He was very concerned about the well being of my Child and Me. Very Understanding Professional and Just a great Staff. If You need a Lawyer that’s all about YOU this is the Place. I just closed a Case on 6/23/2021 from a injury on a Property. They handled everything because no one else would help Me. I’m forever grateful for Your hard Work and Time. Once again Thank You Josh and Sally. My husband was referred to this law firm from another lawyer after his mother passed away while residing in a nursing home. Matt took on his case and we are pleased with how everything turned out. It took a long, long time to finally settle, but it was worth the wait. The staff here is friendly and I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. I was referred to Harold by a family friend, and I couldn’t be happier. He took the time to listen to my case, answered all my questions and truly treated me like a friend not a client. His knowledge of medical malpractice is priceless he actually successfully won, one of the first medical malpractice cases in Greenville County.
—Rob Young
—Rezillai Henderson
— Jen
— Lindsey
Penetrating Brain Injury
A penetrating brain injury is caused when an object, such as a bullet or a sharp piece of metal, pierces the skull and directly damages the brain tissue. Unlike other types of brain injuries, which may be invisible to the naked eye, a penetrating injury is a physical wound, and it is usually life-threatening. This type of injury can destroy parts of the brain, causing immediate symptoms like loss of movement, difficulty speaking, and intense pain.
Treatment for a penetrating brain injury is complex and often involves surgery to remove the object and repair damaged tissues. Even after surgery, individuals with penetrating injuries often face a long road to recovery and may have lifelong impairments. Rehabilitation helps people regain some functions, but the extent of recovery depends on how much of the brain was damaged and where the injury occurred.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second impact syndrome, or SIS, occurs when someone suffers a second brain injury before fully recovering from a previous one. This syndrome is especially dangerous because it can cause rapid and severe brain swelling, which is often life-threatening. Second impact syndrome most commonly affects athletes who return to their sport too soon after a concussion, but it can happen to anyone who suffers back-to-back head injuries.
The symptoms of second impact syndrome are intense and come on quickly. The person may collapse, lose consciousness, and experience a sudden increase in brain pressure. This condition requires immediate medical attention, as delaying treatment can lead to severe brain damage or death. Recovery depends on how quickly medical help is received and whether there is permanent damage to the brain. Because of the serious risks, doctors often advise patients to fully heal from any brain injury before resuming high-risk activities.
Value of a Personal Injury Case Choosing a Personal Injury AttorneyRelated Videos
Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury
A coup-contrecoup injury is a type of brain injury where the brain is injured at two points: the site of impact and the opposite side. This type of injury occurs when the force of an impact is so strong that the brain moves within the skull, hitting the opposite side as well. Car accidents and falls are common causes of coup-contrecoup injuries, and they can lead to bleeding, bruising, and swelling on both sides of the brain.
People with coup-contrecoup injuries often experience severe headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Recovery from this type of injury can be long and challenging, as the brain has been damaged in multiple areas. Rehabilitation might include physical, cognitive, and speech therapies to help the individual regain normal function.
Verdicts & Settlements
Understanding Brain Injuries and Seeking Help
Brain injuries, no matter how mild or severe, can have a big impact on an individual’s life and their family’s well-being. Each type of brain injury has its own symptoms, risks, and recovery process, making it crucial to recognize the different types and get the right kind of help. In South Carolina, people who have experienced brain injuries due to accidents or other causes may need medical care, rehabilitation, and sometimes legal support to help them through the recovery journey.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s actions, it may be important to seek legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected and to receive compensation that can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Christian & Christian Law understands the complexities of brain injury cases and is committed to helping families navigate the legal process. Reach out to Christian & Christian Law today to discuss your case and learn how they can support you in this challenging time.