As previously stated, the terms concussion and mild traumatic brain injury may be used somewhat interchangeably, but there are differences. Mild TBI (MTBI) encompasses a much broader group of injuries. There is information that approximately 75% of TBI is mild traumatic brain injury.

One definition of MTBI comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. It defines a case of MTBI as “the occurrence of injury to the head arising from blunt trauma or acceleration or deceleration forces with one or more of the following conditions attributable to the head injury:

Any Period of Observed or Self-Reported:

• Transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness;
• Dysfunction of memory around the time of injury; or
• Loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes.

Observed Signs of Other Neurological or Neuropsychological Dysfunction, Such As:

• Seizures acutely following injury to the head;
• Irritability, lethargy, or vomiting following head injury, especially among infants and very young children; or
• Headache, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, or poor concentration, especially among older children and adults.

People with these symptoms need to be seen by medical personnel. Evaluation would include a careful neurologic exam as well as an examination to rule out other injuries, depending on the type of trauma. Usually if there is loss of consciousness along with other symptoms, a CAT scan will be done to see if there is any visible damage to the brain. There can be damage, such as diffuse axonal injury, not visible on CAT scan. Patients with normal exams and CAT scans will be sent home with instructions that include rest until recovery, and immediate return to seek medical care should symptoms worsen. This last is very important. Depending on when a patient is seen relative to the time of injury, some of the damage may not be visible until later.

Sometimes, symptoms do not appear until days or weeks after the injury. The person may not have received medical care for just a bump to the head, but is now feeling worse. In these cases a thorough exam including a CAT scan is important.

At the time of diagnosis, most care is supportive. Rest and prevention of further injury are important. While most of these patients recover, there are some that have persistent symptoms, which can include headache, confusion, pain, cognitive and/or memory problems, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, mood changes, and/or sensory problems such as changes in vision or hearing. These symptoms are part of the post-concussion syndrome.

Symptoms can be difficult to treat. Sometimes medication helps, for example, in cases where patients suffer migraine headaches after the injury. Sometimes they need counseling and psychological support. Each case is different. Some of these patients will not be able to return to their previous level of functioning and their previous jobs. Some 15% of patients may have these persistent symptoms, which cause significant disability. It is estimated that this costs $17 billion each year in the United States.

Brain Injury Compensation Claim Solicitors

We are qualified lawyers specialising in compensation claims for personal injury resulting from UK accidents caused by the negligence of a third party. We deal with physical injuries of the utmost severity including catastrophic damage to the spinal cord and brain and consequential psychological damage. If you would like to speak to a brain injury compensation claims solicitor without any obligation whatsoever just use the contact form or call the helpline. Our advice is free and if you decide to use our services we operate a totally risk free no win no fee scheme. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions and win or lose there is no charge.

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