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CategoriesWhat’s the Difference Between a Concussion and a TBI?
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to focus on understanding and preventing brain injuries. While the terms “concussion” and “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) are often used interchangeably, they represent different conditions with varying degrees of severity.
Understand the differences between these head trauma injuries and how severity impacts recovery. Our Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyers can help you secure a fair settlement for your recovery.
Spectrum of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can happen through an impact, such as a blow to the head or when a sharp object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
TBIs range from milder forms called concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries, covering a broad spectrum of conditions that affect brain function. In Missouri, nearly 16,500 people are admitted to an emergency department or hospitalized annually due to traumatic brain injuries. Common types of head trauma include:
- Concussions, typically resulting from impact or sudden momentum changes
- Contusions, which are bruises on the brain caused by a direct impact
- Penetrating injuries, where an object breaks through the skull and harms the brain
- Diffuse axonal injuries involving tears in the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers due to rapid head movements
Concussions: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Recovery
Again, a concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a sudden impact or movement causes the brain to shift rapidly within the skull. They often happen due to slip-and-fall incidents and car accidents, and result in symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Memory lapses
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Despite being classified as mild, the effects of a concussion can be serious and long-lasting, especially if not properly treated or if repeated injuries occur. Recovery usually involves rest and a carefully managed return to daily activities tailored to your needs.
On the other hand, moderate to severe TBIs can have profound and long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive abilities, physical functioning, and emotional well-being. Symptoms may include persistent headaches, prolonged loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, and slurred speech.
Differences Between Concussions and TBIs
While concussions are a type of TBI, there are noticeable differences between concussions and more severe forms of TBI.
| Aspect | Concussion (Mild TBI) | Moderate to Severe TBI |
| Signs and Symptoms | HeadachesBrief blackoutsDisorientationLoss of balanceUpset stomach or vomitingSluggish verbal responsesTirednessRinging in the ears | Prolonged unconsciousness or comaWorsening or constant headachesContinuous nausea or frequent vomitingConvulsions or seizuresPupil enlargement in one or both eyesClear fluid draining from the nose or ears |
| Diagnosis Methods | Clinical evaluation, CT scans, or MRI for more detailed assessment if symptoms persist | Immediate imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to assess the extent of the injury, with intracranial pressure monitoring in critical cases |
| Treatment and Recovery | Rest and gradual return to normal activitiesMonitoring for persistent, worsening, or new symptomsPhysical therapy if symptoms persist | Emergency medical attention to stabilize the patientPossible surgical intervention to address bleeding or pressure issues in the brainLong-term rehabilitation with physical, occupational, and speech therapy |
| Outlook for Recovery | Often good given proper rest and minimal exposure to repeated injury, with symptoms typically resolving within a few weeks to months | Can vary widely depending on severity, from partial recovery to long-term impairments in cognitive, physical, or emotional functioning, including permanent disability |
TBI Settlements: How Does Your Injury Impact Your Damage Award?
When you seek a settlement for a brain injury, the amount depends on the severity of the injury and how it affects your life. Our attorneys assess the following elements when determining possible compensation:
- Medical Costs: This covers all expenses related to immediate treatment and any future medical care you may require. We calculate a settlement to reflect these costs, ensuring you do not have to bear the financial burden of necessary treatment.
- Lost Wages: If you can’t work either temporarily or permanently, you may lose income. We seek compensation for these lost wages to help cover what you would have earned if the injury hadn’t occurred.
- Emotional Impact: TBIs can lead to serious psychological issues such as depression or anxiety. Your attorney can include compensation for emotional distress that acknowledges your non-physical challenges.
- Long-Term Care: The costs of ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, or specialized care can be immense. Your settlement should include funds to cover any of these services in the future.
Get Legal Help for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries, whether concussions or severe TBIs, can change your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our traumatic brain injury lawyers at Cofman Townsley have decades of experience managing brain injury claims. We’ve won over a billion in compensation for our clients, including $1,550,000 for a TBI case.
We understand the complexities of brain injury cases and can fight to get you fair compensation. Contact us today for a free case review and let us support you through this challenging time.