March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month in Illinois

 Posted on March 04, 2024 in Personal Injury

Each year, the month of March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about brain injuries, their causes, prevention, and the challenges faced by individuals affected by these injuries. During the month, various organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and individuals engage in activities and campaigns to promote understanding and support for individuals living with brain injuries.

According to national statistics, the most common causes of brain injuries include falls (responsible for almost half), vehicle accidents, and assaults. When a brain injury is the result of another party's negligence, the injured party may be able to pursue damages for the losses he or she has suffered. The amount of that financial compensation usually depends on the type and the long-term impact of the injury. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury occurs when there is some type of force that makes an impact on the head, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe, resulting in permanent disability or death. Causes of TBI include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, and impaired cognitive function.

One of the most common types of TBIs suffered is a concussion, usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head and leading to temporary disruption of brain function. Concussions are common in contact sports, car accidents, and falls. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating. While most concussions resolve with rest and time, repeated concussions can have long-term consequences.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

DAI is a severe form of brain injury resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, causing widespread damage to nerve fibers (axons) in the brain. With this type of brain injury, there is a stretching, tearing, or shearing of axons as a result of forces applied to the brain during trauma. These forces cause microscopic damage to the axons, disrupting their structural integrity and impairing their ability to transmit signals effectively. As a result, communication between neurons is compromised, leading to dysfunction in various brain networks. It commonly occurs in high-speed motor vehicle accidents. DAI can lead to coma, persistent vegetative state, or severe neurological deficits due to disruption of neural communication pathways.

Penetrating Brain Injury

Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These types of injuries involve a direct impact on the brain, leading to localized damage and potential disruption of critical neurological structures.

The severity of penetrating brain injuries varies widely, ranging from relatively minor injuries with mild symptoms to severe injuries that can be life-threatening. In cases where the penetrating object remains lodged in the brain, there is a risk of ongoing bleeding, infection, and further damage to surrounding brain tissue. There is also the risk of fragments or debris from the penetrating object causing secondary damage as they disrupt nearby structures.

Anoxic/Hypoxic Brain Injury

Anoxic or hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to cellular damage and impaired function. The consequences of anoxic/hypoxic brain injury depend on various factors, including the duration and severity of oxygen deprivation, the affected regions of the brain, and the individual's overall health.

In mild cases, individuals may experience symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. However, severe anoxic/hypoxic brain injury can result in long-term disabilities, including cognitive impairments, motor deficits, speech and language difficulties, and behavioral changes. In the most severe cases, anoxic/hypoxic brain injury can lead to coma, persistent vegetative state, or death.

Contact a Kane County, IL Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury as the result of another party's negligence, an Aurora, IL brain injury lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Call Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free case evaluation and find out how our firm can help.