Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Jun 14, 2023

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Catastrophic brain injuries can occur from various incidents involving a violent blow or jolt to the head or sometimes to the body. Objects that go through the head, such as bullets or shattered pieces, including portions of the skull, can also cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When these injuries occur in Michigan children, symptoms can be different, while consequences may be more severe.

Classifying catastrophic brain injuries

Health professionals classify TBIs into three types: mild, moderate and severe. Mild TBIs have less severe symptoms but can still cause problems like headaches, dizziness, speech and cognitive issues. TBIs resulting from harder blows or punctures into the brain are frequently considered catastrophic brain injuries that can include repeated vomiting or nausea, inability to wake from sleep, consciousness disorders and a host of other problems that can significantly impair the quality of life and leave victims disabled.

Signs of brain injuries in children

Children, especially younger ones, often can’t express symptoms. However, you can observe the signs of brain injuries, including:

  • Change in eating or nursing
  • High irritability
  • Inability to pay attention
  • Persistent crying and inability to be consoled
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Sadness or depression
  • Seizures
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of interest in toys or activities

Many catastrophic injuries are permanent

Whether they occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents or other mishaps, catastrophic brain injuries can have long-lasting consequences. Many take a long time to manifest, necessitating the need for medical evaluations soon after the incident.

The earlier victims receive a proper diagnosis and therapy, the better they will recover. This situation is especially true for children whose brains are more elastic and may be able to heal better from catastrophic events. If you are unsure about symptoms, ask for a medical evaluation.