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2124 East Hanna Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana
46227-3314
24 hour hot-line
(800) 486-4450
(317) 780-6610
Fax: (317) 780-6620
VJPetri@Petrilaw.com
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 'Brain
injury' is a term which encompasses broadly any brain
injury irrespective of cause. Thus, a brain injury can
be caused by penetration of the skull, skull fracture, disease,
or a closed head injury. Penetration or fractures of
the skull often occur in accidents and attacks by one person
on another. Diseases which commonly cause brain injuries
are infections and cancer (tumors). Closed head injuries
are caused by rapid acceleration/ deceleration of the head
or other means which, by definition, does not penetrate or
fracture the skull. Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the
most common referred to types of closed head injuries . These
injuries can have devastating lifelong effects on the physical
and mental functioning of the survivor.
The body responds to brain injuries in different ways.
Different people with similar injuries may also respond differently
as a result of such injuries. Also of concern is the
fact that the result of such injuries may appear at a time
distant from the actual injury itself. For instance,
if someone is hit hard on the head, but not severe enough
to cause immediate damage greater than a 'strong headache,'
the person may not consider themselves 'okay' and go about
their business. It is possible that a concussion would
result and the damage from a concussion may not appear for
some time because of the swelling (cerebral edema), which
creates pressure on the brain itself. In effect, the
'hit on the head' causes an injury but the injured person
is unaware of the extent of the injury, proceeds without getting
assistance, and runs the risk of causing 'brain damage' due
to the swelling. This is also true in cases of hemorrhage
where there is bleeding into the brain or around the brain.
Bleeding into the brain is referred to as an intracerebral
hemorrhage. Bleeding around the brain is referred to
as an epidural or subdural hemorrhage.
The above example is a relatively minor injury when compared
to the types of injuries caused daily from accidents and assaults.
Death and coma can result from such injuries if the force
of the injury causing event is sufficient. Coma results
when the force that hits the head causes sufficient turning
and twisting. This motion can cause the interruption
of nerve pathways (often resulting in unconsciousness and
neurological disorders). If the nerve fibers between
the brain stem and cortex are disrupted coma can result.
Some estimates hold that approximately two million traumatic
brain injuries are caused each year in the United States.
One-quarter of these injuries result in hospitalization of
the injured party. Of those it is believed that as many
as 90,000 will be faced with life-long debilitation, including
coma. Neurological disorders often confronted by those
suffering from a brain injury and their loved ones are depression
and anxiety, altered personality, and low self esteem.
If you need assistance with a traumatic brain injury please
contact us.
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