With over 1.5 million brain injuries occurring each year in the United States (according to the Centers for Disease Control), they may be more common in Virginia than you might think. Children under two and adults over 60 are at the highest risk for traumatic brain injuries, but there are no age groups immune to the challenges that occur with this type of devastating injury. The majority of brain injuries in Virginia and D.C. are caused by auto or motorcycle accidents. However, not all brain injuries are equal. Traumatic brain injuries are currently classified into two categories: mild and severe. The difference between the two can be seen below:
A mild TBI:
- Loss of consciousness or confusion/disorientation lasts less than 30 minutes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty thinking
- Memory problems
- Attention deficits
- Emotional difficulties
- Depression
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Often undetected at the initial time of injury
- Symptoms can last a few weeks, a few months, and sometimes longer than one year
- Commonly called concussion, minor head trauma, minor TBI, minor brain injury, minor head injury
A severe TBI:
- Loss of consciousness or confusion/disorientation lasts longer than 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours is considered moderate, while more than 6 hours is considered severe)
- Memory loss lasts longer than 24 hours
- Impairment of higher level cognitive functions
- Permanent neurobiological damage with lifelong deficits
- Limited functions of arms and legs
- Abnormal speech or language
- Loss of thinking ability
- Not understanding the spoken word
- Difficulty speaking and being understood
- Sensory perception issues
- Emotional problems—depression, aggression, irritability
- Seizures
- Possible paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Sleep disorders
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Virginia or D.C. at the fault of another person, contact the brain injury attorneys at Shevlin Smith. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Call 703-721-4233 today!