Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: Types, Symptoms, and Why Immediate Care Matters

Jonathan Harriman | Jul 18 2025 19:00

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be life-altering, affecting cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Whether caused by a car accident, a fall, or a sports-related impact, brain injuries vary in severity and type. Understanding the different forms of TBI is essential for recognizing symptoms and seeking the right medical and legal assistance.

  1. Concussion: The Most Common TBI

A concussion is the most frequent type of traumatic brain injury, often caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head. Though usually considered mild, concussions can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. Repeated concussions, especially in athletes, can have long-term neurological consequences.

  1. Contusion: Brain Bruising

A contusion occurs when direct impact causes bruising of the brain tissue. These injuries may involve bleeding and swelling and can range from mild to severe. If the contusion is large, surgical intervention may be necessary to reduce pressure on the brain.

  1. Penetrating Brain Injury

A penetrating injury (also called an open TBI) happens when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are severe and life-threatening, often resulting in permanent brain damage. Immediate medical care is critical to prevent complications.

  1. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, causing damage to nerve fibers. This type of injury often happens in high-speed accidents or other scenarios involving significant forces. DAI can lead to coma or permanent brain damage, depending on severity.

  1. Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury happens when the brain moves forcefully within the skull, causing damage at both the site of impact and the opposite side. These injuries often occur during severe car crashes or falls and can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and motor function impairment.

  1. Subdural Hematoma

A subdural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the dura (the protective outer layer of the brain) and the brain itself due to ruptured veins. These hematomas may develop slowly or suddenly, leading to headaches, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If untreated, a subdural hematoma can increase pressure on the brain and become life-threatening.

  1. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage results from bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it. It is often caused by a head injury or a ruptured aneurysm. Symptoms include severe headaches (often described as "the worst headache of my life"), nausea, vision changes, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent complications such as stroke.

  1. Intracerebral Hemorrhage

An intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding directly into the brain tissue, typically caused by trauma or medical conditions like hypertension. This type of injury can lead to neurological deficits, weakness, speech difficulties, and altered consciousness. Severe cases require urgent surgical intervention to remove pooled blood and relieve brain pressure.

  1. Extradural Hematoma (Epidural Hematoma)

An extradural (epidural) hematoma occurs when blood collects between the skull and the dura mater, often due to a skull fracture. This type of injury is dangerous because it can rapidly increase pressure inside the skull, leading to severe headaches, vomiting, confusion, and coma. If identified early, emergency surgery can save a patient's life.

  1. Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)

SIS occurs when a person suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from a previous one. This can cause rapid brain swelling and is especially dangerous for athletes who return to play too soon after an initial concussion.

Seeking Medical and Legal Help

Any TBI, regardless of severity, requires immediate medical attention. Some symptoms may take days or even weeks to appear, making it essential to monitor for changes in behavior, persistent headaches, or difficulty concentrating. If an accident caused the injury, consulting a personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and secure the compensation needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.