If you or a loved one suspect one has suffered from a head or traumatic brain injury, it’s encouraged to become familiar with the different types. There are many kinds of head and brain injuries, but the most common are explained below.
Contusion
A bruise on the brain or contusion usually occurs when a person’s head suffers a direct impact of some sort. When suffering from a contusion, swelling, or brain herniation can occur, which can be very dangerous to the individual’s well-being. A contusion may require surgery to release pressure and maintain adequate and safe oxygen flow to the brain.
Concussion
If a blow to the head occurs or the head moves back and forth with a lot of force, a concussion may occur. Concussions are considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury, but the victim is much more vulnerable to additional concussions once one occurs. A concussion may cause an individual to be unconscious for a period ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. Individuals that have had a concussion or multiple concussions may experience the following:
- Painful headaches
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Diffuse Axonal
Severe jolts, shaking, or a sudden and powerful rotation of the head can cause a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury. Many experience widespread brain damage due to the brain suffering from damage in multiple places. In a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury, the head moves faster than the brain, thus causing the brain to knock against the interior portion of the person’s skull.
Coup-Contrecoup
There are instances where both sides of the brain can sustain damage, which is called a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury. Forceful impact damages one side of the brain, thus causing the brain to be forced against the opposing side of the skull. Due to the brain being pushed against the skull, a contusion or brain bruise is likely to occur. Individuals that experience a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury are known to experience impairments in the following areas:
- Memory
- Coordination
- Swallowing
- Balance
- Muscular abilities
- Sensation
Penetration
At times, forms of impact can occur that break the skull or cause pieces of bone or foreign material to enter the skull cavity and damage brain tissue. Severe damage to brain tissue and nerves can lead to permanent impairment, such as a disability or death. Penetration injuries are the most severe forms of traumatic brain injuries and usually result in brain surgery to remove any foreign debris.