Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Nov 30, 2022

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

The brain is the most important organ in the body; as such, one should take all the necessary steps and preventive measures to keep it safe and functioning at its optimal level. However, certain head injuries can cause permanent brain damage, depending on the type and severity of the injury. But with knowledge of the common causes or how to deal with an injury in Michigan, you can position yourself to reduce the risks of serious, permanent brain damage.

The science of brain damage

The brain is a very fragile organ floating inside of your skull; a single blow can cause trauma to the brain leading to permanent damage. Depending on where and how hard someone or something hit you, the injury can be in the form of contusions, concussion, traumatic axonal injury (TAI) or diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Contusions occur when an area of the head collides with an object hard enough to bruise or tear nerve cells. Concussions are mild forms of brain injuries that occur when any type of force pushes or shakes the brain inside the skull, causing nerve cell damage. TAI occurs when there is a drastic twisting motion applied to neuron fibers, while DAI happens when there is a widespread diffuse shearing motion across multiple neuronal fibers.

There are also acquired brain injuries (ABIs) that occur due to diseases, toxins, or other non-trauma-related causes. Common ABIs include strokes, anoxia (when the brain is starved of oxygen) and infections such as meningitis. The severity of these conditions can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and treatment options available.

Causes of brain injuries

Most catastrophic brain injuries result from a traumatic event such as a car accident, sports injury or physical altercation. Others occur due to falls, an object striking you or a violent shaking of the head. In some cases, brain damage could result from medical malpractice, such as during a surgical procedure or due to medication errors.

In Michigan, it’s important to know your rights after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you believe that another person has caused your TBI through negligence or recklessness, then you may be able to file a claim for damages.