Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injury

Q: How do you prove a brain injury exists?

A: Medical and psychological professionals diagnose brain injuries in many ways. The methods used usually depend on the extent and the nature of the injury. Professionals may study a person’s behavior, movements, and even their personality. Some tests used to diagnose brain injuries are MRIs, CT scans, PET scans and EEGs.

Q: What disabilities can arise with a brain injury?

A: It depends on how severe the injury is and where exactly in the brain the injury took place. Some examples of disabilities would be altered sensation, memory problems and personality changes.

Q: Concussions – What are the common symptoms?

A: Early symptoms of a concussion are nausea, dizziness, and headache. Later symptoms include anxiety, chronic headaches, personality changes, and depression.

Q: Closed head injury– What is it?

A: Brain damage where an external force causes injury to the head but does not penetrate the skull.

Q: What are the parts of the brain and what does each part do?

A: There are three parts of the brain. They are the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem. The cerebellum is the largest section of the brain and is related to the control of the cognitive abilities, as well as memory, motor functions, learning and speech. The cerebellum coordinates voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. Finally, the brain stem acts as a relay between incoming stimulus and the brain.

Q: When the brain loses its blood and oxygen supply, what happens?

A: If your brain cannot get blood or oxygen your brain cells will begin to die.

Q: What are some of the possible effects of a severe injury to the brain?

A: There can be physical and behavioral effects, depending on the location and severity of the brain injury. Some injuries are so disabling that the injured person can no longer work or live with their family. Problems with mobility and communications are also likely with severe brain injuries. Some of the behavioral changes possible include a short attention span, poor memory, and depression.

Q: Brain swelling—what and how is it caused?

A: Brain swelling and bruising may occur if there was violent force to the skull. If force causes the brain to ‘bounce’ off of the skull bones, that causes swelling and bruising to begin in the nerve tissue. If the swelling creates pressure in the head, it can lead to compression of vital blood vessels.

Q: What kind of compensation might arise from a legal claim for a brain injury?

A: The types of compensation one might be entitled to depend on the state, the injury and the extent of the severity and permanency of the brain injury. Medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation costs and mental anguish could be included as well.