There are two different categories of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): open and closed. Both of these injuries can be devastating, and many are severe enough to affect the victim for the rest of his life. But, what’s the difference between the two? Here’s a look at open vs. closed TBIs:
Open TBIs
An open TBI is characterized by a broken, penetrated, or fractured skill. This type of injury usually occurs when a foreign object enters the brain by penetrating the skull, but that’s not the only way a victim can sustain an open TBI. In some cases, blunt force trauma can crack the skull, causing a piece of the bone to enter the brain.
Open TBIs are incredibly serious and often result in instant death. This is especially true in cases where the foreign object that penetrates the skull is traveling at a high speed. For instance, a bullet traveling through the brain at a high speed is almost always fatal. Even if the victim does survive, he will experience various symptoms for the rest of his life. Some victims will lose all brain function after an open TBI, which means they will remain in a permanent vegetative state.
Closed TBIs
Closed TBIs are often sustained in car accidents when the victim hits his head against the windshield, steering wheel, dashboard, or window of the vehicle. The skull remains intact in a closed TBI, but this does not mean that the injury should be taken lightly.
The severity of the injury will vary depending on the extent of the brain damage. In minor cases, the victim will experience headaches, nausea, confusion, and dizziness. One of the mildest types of closed brain injuries is a concussion, which is often sustained in car accidents or while playing sports.
In more severe cases, the victim will lose consciousness for hours or even days. When the victim takes a strong blow to the head, the brain will start to swell and press against the skull. This can cause immediate brain damage that cannot be reversed. Some victims will sustain such widespread brain damage that they will never regain consciousness after the injury.
Even though open and closed TBIs are two different types of injuries, they do share many similarities. Every type of brain injury is considered to be extremely serious. That’s why TBI victims must get in touch with a personal injury attorney if they have been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence.
Have you suffered a traumatic brain injury? If another person was to blame, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact Reisch Law Firm today so our personal injury attorneys can explain your legal options. Schedule a free consultation by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
