4 Types Of Brain Injuries And 3 Levels Of Severity

Four Types Of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are generally classified into the following categories:

Penetrating Injuries 

Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object pierces the skull, such as when flying glass from a car accident pierces the skull. These injuries often cause significant damage to the brain and destroy brain cells. 

The specific consequences the victim will experience depend on the location and severity of the injury but may include:

• Cognitive difficulties
• Memory issues
• Sensory loss
• Changes in behavior
• Problems regulating emotions

Penetrating brain injuries often cause permanent and irreversible brain damage.

Closed-Head Injuries 

Closed-head injuries are those in which an object does not go through the skull. Closed head injuries can include anything from a minor bump to the head to a serious, life-threatening injury. A concussion is a common type of closed-head injury.  Car accidents and slip and fall accidents are common causes of closed-head injuries. 

Anoxic Brain Injuries 

Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain does not have sufficient oxygen to work properly. These injuries can be severe because brain cells can die within a few minutes. Anoxic injuries often occur when there is a blockage to blood flow after an accident, such as car accidents, medical errors, or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Diffuse Axonal Injuries

When someone experiences rapid deceleration or acceleration, their head may whip violently back and forth. In some situations, the head’s movements are so violent that the brain stem cannot keep pace with the rate of movement. 

This situation can result in tears in the connections of the brain to the spinal cord. These tears can be very small or very large. Diffuse axonal injuries can result in permanent brain damage, coma, and death. 

Levels of Severity of Brain Injuries 

The Brain Injury Association of America categorizes brain injuries by the following levels of severity:

Mild TBIs

A mild traumatic brain injury can result in the loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes, typically after a blow to the head. Even though these injuries are referred to as minor, they can still result in significant damage. 

The Mayo Clinic provides the following list of symptoms for mild traumatic brain injuries:

• Headache
• Disorientation or confusion 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Speech problems
• Dizziness
• Sensory problems
• Problems concentrating or remembering
• Mood changes
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Problems sleeping or sleeping more than usual

Moderate TBIs

Moderate traumatic brain injuries can result in loss of consciousness for a few hours. Victims may experience confusion for a few weeks after an injury. Some moderate traumatic brain injuries result in permanent damage. These brain injuries may cause contusions or bleeding. Signs of brain trauma can appear on neuroimaging tests. 

Severe TBIs

Severe brain injuries can result in coma or death. Many severe brain injuries are due to crushing blows or penetrating injuries. 

Signs of severe brain injuries include:

• Persistent headache or a headache that worsens over time
• Convulsions or seizures
• Repeated bouts of vomiting or nausea
• Loss of coordination 
• Profound confusion 
• Changes in behavior 
• Weakness or numbness in the extremities

Brain injuries can have significant consequences on their victims. They may completely alter victims’ futures. Some victims are unable to return to the life they had before the accident. Others are able to heal eventually but only after significant periods of treatment and recovery.