What is the difference between a concussion and a TBI? TBI stands for traumatic brain injury. Doctors sometimes call a concussion a “mild TBI.” So, although a concussion is a form of trauma to the brain, it is the least serious form of TBI.
If you have a moderate or severe TBI, on the other hand, you can expect long-term issues that may affect your daily life for many years to come. They may even be permanent. Consult an Arlington personal injury lawyer about lodging a claim if your accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness or reckless behavior.
Difference Between Concussion and TBI: Categories of TBI
To distinguish between mild traumatic injuries to the brain and more serious, disabling injuries, doctors distinguish between mild TBI (concussion), moderate TBI, and severe TBI. All the same, it is important to know that even a concussion can be serious and requires medical attention.
Mild TBI (Concussion)
A concussion or mild TBI is characterized by a brief loss of consciousness or being unconscious for under 30 minutes. Doctors will test your neurological responses since even a mild TBI can be more serious than it looks.
If they are concerned about a serious brain injury after an initial investigation, they will send you for a brain scan. If they are reasonably satisfied, they will recommend time to rest and recover. They will warn you about danger signs that mean you should report to an emergency room without delay.
Most people recover fully from a concussion in a few days or weeks. In its information on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke warns that people take longer to recover with every succeeding concussion.
Moderate TBI and Severe TBI
Both of these categories are serious and often lead to long-term consequences, even permanent disability. A moderate TBI involves loss of consciousness for 30 minutes to 6 hours. A person with a severe TBI loses consciousness for even longer.
Either way, a brain scan will be needed to determine just how much damage has been done. There could be skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, and trauma causing the death of brain tissue. These injuries may prove fatal.
Moderate and severe TBIs are further classified based on whether the skull has been penetrated or not. However, even a “closed” TBI in which the skull is not breached is likely to involve serious brain injury.
Differences Between Concussion and TBI Outcomes
Bearing in mind that what we commonly refer to as “concussion” is a mild TBI, you will still be very unwell after sustaining one. You may feel nauseous, confused, and dizzy, have headaches, and be more irritable than usual.
If concussion symptoms keep getting worse rather than better, your injury may be more serious than it initially appeared to be. If you show the danger signs indicated by the CDC in its article on symptoms of mild TBI and concussion, you should get emergency help. Most people will have no long-term issues, but some may. Talk to your doctor about what to look out for.
A five-year outlook on moderate and severe TBI, on the other hand, found that only 26% of patients had improved. 30% experienced worse symptoms than they did right after their injuries occurred. So, in terms of outcomes, the important difference between a TBI and concussion is the duration and severity of aftereffects.
Medical Treatment: Concussion Versus TBI
Underlining the difference between a concussion and TBI, the treatment differs markedly. If you have a concussion (a mild form of TBI), doctors will be happy to send you home to recover. They will prescribe medications to treat your symptoms and do a follow-up evaluation later on.
Treatment for a severe TBI is a series of urgent, life-saving interventions. It begins with stabilizing your vital organ functions to prevent any further brain damage. Throughout, the brain is monitored to ensure that it maintains the right temperature, oxygen supply, and blood flow.
If pressure inside the skull builds, doctors know that they must relieve it. They may also have to deal with debris that entered through a breach of the skull, repair a fractured skull, and more. Thereafter, you face a long and arduous road to recovery.
Concussion Versus TBI: Recovery
As noted, most people recover fully and relatively quickly after a concussion. A few exceptions may have recurring headaches and struggle with concentration and memory. According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, 45%, less than half of patients, recover within 2 weeks of injury. 77% recover within four weeks, and 96% by eight weeks.
Those who have experienced a moderate or severe TBI are likely to experience lifelong repercussions. After hospitals have done what they can to mitigate damage, they may need a variety of therapies. This includes cognitive rehabilitation therapy that attempts to help them recover normal brain function.
These therapies, which also include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational therapy, aim to improve the ability to perform simple daily activities. Moderate to severe TBI is a lifelong condition. 57% of survivors will be moderately to severely disabled.
The Difference Between Concussion and TBI in Civil Lawsuits
If an accident that was caused by another person causes your concussion or TBI, you may be able to claim compensation from their insurance. Naturally, the amounts you can claim for TBI are much higher, but concussion sufferers can also receive compensation.
Since recovering from a concussion can take several weeks, and will require at least some medical attention, medical expenses and claims for lost wages are appropriate. Other damages will depend on the unique features of your accident and any other injuries you incurred.
TBI is much more serious and has much higher personal and economic costs. The injured person will have far more medical issues to deal with and will require rehabilitative therapies. This means that they may need to claim for lifelong medical care and loss of earnings. The personal cost is also staggering, qualifying them to claim extensive non-economic damages.
Common Causes of Concussion and TBI
Concussion and TBI are frequent consequences of a range of accidents. For example, they are among the most common pedestrian accident injuries. We have also handled TBI claims as part of car accident settlements.
Whenever the body is exposed to impacts, there is a chance that the head will bear some or all of the force. So, we also see TBI in slip and fall accidents as well as sporting accidents. The latter can be particularly difficult since it would be necessary to prove that a person who caused the injury was breaking the rules of the game at the time.
The Texas Law Dog: Your Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are interested in discovering whether it is possible to claim compensation for concussion or TBI, begin by getting a professional opinion from the Texas Law Dog. Our team understands the causes of traumatic brain injuries and their consequences.
We understand what the difference between concussion and TBI means to victims and whether your injury was comparatively mild or more severe, we will work to help you. Reach out right now using our contact form or call our offices.
