The Ontario Brain Injury Association found in a study that severe brain injuries are linked with chronic social skill impairments, such as relaxing while having a conversation, making eye contact, and controlling the speed, tone and volume of speech. The association discusses several injuries that are most likely to occur when there is trauma to the head and brain.
The most common brain injury is the general disturbance of brain cells or neurons, including the shearing, disconnecting and stretching of neural tissue. This injury is especially brutal when the brain rotates or swirls inside the skull, which may happen when the head turns upon impact. The second most common injury is the bruising of tissue, or a contusion. The brain damage may be present below the point of impact on the head. Simply accelerating or decelerating suddenly could cause bruising to the brain if it hits the inside of the cranium where there are many bony ridges, and the damage may be present on the opposite side of impact.
The third most common of brain injuries is increased pressure in the skull resulting from tissue damage that causes the brain to swell. With nowhere for the brain to expand, it could cut itself or herniate on the bony ridges of the cranium. The expansion also causes a decrease in blood flow to the brain, resulting in the brain cells being deprived of blood, nutrients and oxygen. The fourth most common injury is bleeding in or around the brain, or a hemorrhage, resulting from the blood vessels in the brain tearing. This may lead to brain cell death and possibly a hematoma, or blood clot, that causes increased intracranial pressure.
People who suffer brain injuries because of another person’s negligent actions might be entitled to compensation. However, it may be beneficial for the victim to consult a lawyer before filing an action. That lawyer may be able to help the client evaluate the extent of the damage and build a case that seeks compensation.
Source: Ontario Brain Injury Association, “COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT“, October 15, 2014
