Brain injuries are some of the most serious and life-changing types of bodily harm a person can face. They can happen in an instant, often in a car crash, fall, or accidental impact at work. Some forms of trauma heal over time; others never do.

Regardless of the cause, brain trauma can leave a lasting mark on your health, memory, emotions, and ability to live a normal life. Here are some of the most common causes of brain injuries you should be aware of.

1. Concussions

Concussions are the most prevalent type of brain injury. They usually happen when the head gets struck, jolted, or violently shaken. Concussions are often considered “mild” types of head injury, and they generally are, compared to other injuries. Nonetheless, they can produce severe symptoms like headaches, confusion, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.

In many cases, concussion victims walk away from an accident thinking they’re fine. Symptoms may not show up for hours or even days. That’s what makes these injuries so dangerous — they’re easy to miss and hard to track. Multiple concussions over time can also lead to long-term problems with memory and cognition.

2. Contusions

A cerebral contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact. These injuries are characterized by bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue. Some contusions clear up on their own, but more severe bruising might require surgery.

When the brain collides with the inside of the skull with sufficient force, a contusion can form. Such trauma can affect different parts of the brain depending on the location, potentially causing loss of consciousness, slurred speech, or confusion.

3. Coup-Contrecoup Injuries

This type of injury occurs when the brain is hurt in two places at once. First, the brain strikes the inside of the skull on the side of impact (coup), and then it bounces back to hit the opposite side (contrecoup). The double blow can damage multiple areas of the brain and make the resulting symptoms more acute.

Two-part trauma is common in violent car crashes or falls where the head snaps forward and back. Victims can experience memory loss, diminished coordination, and vision issues, depending on what parts of the brain are affected.

4. Diffuse Axonal Injuries

Diffuse axonal injuries happen when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull in a way that stretches or tears nerve fibers. They’re often the result of strong rotational forces, such as sports-related collisions or high-speed car crashes.

This type of trauma is extremely serious. It can lead to widespread damage across the brain even if there’s no bleeding. People with diffuse axonal injuries can lose consciousness for long periods or fall into a coma. Even after they wake up, recovery can be slow and laborious.

5. Penetrating Trauma

Unlike injuries caused by force or motion, penetrating injuries involve an object breaking through the skull and entering the brain. They can come in the form of a bullet, a sharp tool, flying debris, or anything else of the right size with enough force behind it.

Penetrating injuries are often life-threatening and demand immediate medical care. Survivors can face paralysis, seizures, and significant alterations to their behavior or personality.

6. Anoxic Brain Injuries

Anoxic injuries come about when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. They’re frequently seen in near-drownings, heart failure, and suffocation. Without oxygen, brain cells die quickly, usually within minutes. Even short periods without sufficient oxygen can lead to permanent damage.

Survivors tend to struggle with memory, coordination, and mood-related challenges. In particularly serious cases, victims may no longer be capable of basic tasks like walking or speaking.

Contact the Lafayette Brain Injury Lawyers at Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today

Brain trauma can influence how a person lives for months, years, or even the rest of their life. Understanding these injuries is critical for planning for the future and moving forward. Every injury story is different, but they all deserve to be taken seriously.

If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Contact our Lafayette brain injury lawyers at Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free consultation today.

Contact the Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in Louisiana, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883