A Closer Look at the Types of Traumatic Brain Injury: Primary vs. Secondary Injuries Explained

Although millions of individuals go to the doctor or hospital with various types of traumatic brain injury or damage every year, many people don’t know exactly how the brain suffers harm and how serious head trauma can be. When a headache subsides after an accident, a person might assume that all is well.

However, a secondary TBI may be occurring beneath the surface. Developing in the aftermath of the initial blow, this secondary brain injury can cause significantly more damage to your brain than the primary injury. Take a closer look at the differences between primary and secondary brain injuries.

An Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries occur as the result of trauma being inflicted on a person’s brain. These injuries are traumatic in that they are the result of an incident and are not caused by genetic factors or a disease. Falls, car accidents, and acts of violence are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries.

There are various types of traumatic brain injury that can occur in an accident. These brain injuries are classified in several ways, including by their severity and the way they were inflicted. For example, a TBI can be described as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how serious the injury is and how long the effects can be expected to last.

In a similar way, TBIs can be described as blunt force trauma TBIs, penetrating TBIs, or as anoxic brain injuries. These types of traumatic brain injury all affect the brain in different ways. For example, a blunt force trauma TBI applies trauma through the sudden impact of an object on the outside of the head, while an anoxic brain injury deprives the brain of oxygen.

Differentiating Between Primary and Secondary TBIs

One way that brain injuries can be distinguished is by describing them as a primary or secondary injury. A primary TBI is the harm that immediately results from a blow to the head, such as a bruise or shattered skull. This harm is inflicted immediately.

Following this, you could develop a secondary TBI. This sort of injury can develop in the hours and days following your primary TBI and can even be fatal in some cases.

Primary Traumatic Brain Injuries — Characteristics and Types

A primary TBI can happen as the result of a direct blow to the head or your head striking an object. Sometimes, a foreign object can penetrate the skull and directly inflict trauma to the brain. No matter how this initial blow is sustained, the harm caused by the primary TBI tends to be localized at the site of injury.

Secondary Brain Injuries

A secondary brain injury occurs after the initial injury has happened. Unlike a primary TBI, which tends to be localized, a secondary brain injury tends to affect the whole brain.

For example, a common secondary brain injury is an intracerebral hemorrhage. As blood fills up the space in the cranium, there can be a loss of oxygenated blood to the brain itself. This can lead to a stroke.

Long-Term Effects on Quality of Life

Depending on the severity of the brain injury and how promptly you receive treatment, both primary and secondary TBIs can affect you for months or years after your accident.

Suffering a blow to the head in a car accident may initially only leave you with a painful bruise, but a secondary brain injury can impact your memory, concentration, and mood for the remainder of your life.

The types of changes that have been noted with secondary TBIs have included:

• Irritability and agitation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seizures
• Trouble remembering things

These and other symptoms of a secondary TBI can make it difficult for you to attend school or return to your previous employment. If you can work following your brain injury, you may need significant accommodations. At home, you may not be able to care for yourself without some assistance from family or a home healthcare professional.

Pursuing Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for your losses if your TBI came about because of another’s careless choices. These damages can pay for your medical bills and ongoing treatment needs, as well as help replace any wages and pay that you can no longer earn because of your TBI.

Damages can also provide some compensation for the loss of your quality of life. While such damages cannot repair permanent damages or limitations, they can serve to acknowledge your loss and the challenges you now face because of your TBI.

Frequently Asked Questions About TBIs

Is There a Way to Avoid a Secondary TBI?

You may not be able to prevent a secondary TBI in all situations. However, you can reduce the likelihood of developing one by treating every head injury seriously and getting evaluated quickly after a head injury.

Can I Get Compensation for a Secondary Brain Injury?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for any TBI types, including a secondary brain injury. A skilled Wyoming personal injury lawyer can help make sure you seek an appropriate amount of compensation for the full extent of your injuries.

How Does a Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation?

A brain injury lawyer can accurately determine how much your case is worth and file the claim on your behalf. Your lawyer can also investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather the evidence necessary to support your claim and fight for the best possible outcome.

The Difference The Spence Law Firm Makes

You deserve experienced and passionate legal advocacy if you have suffered a TBI because of another’s careless acts. At The Spence Law Firm, we are committed to your recovery. Our experienced, award-winning personal injury team takes the time to fully understand how your TBI has affected your life and fights tirelessly to protect your right to the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact The Spence Law Firm to get started today.