There are different kinds of traumatic brain injuries one can suffer in an accident. Some are mild and temporary, while others are extensive and profound. Below are some of the most common.
Concussion. Caused by a wide range of incidents (a blow to the head, violent shaking, whiplash or gunshots), concussions can occur from both closed and open head injuries. It is the most common type of TBI. Cranial nerves can be damaged and blood vessels stretched when the head is impacted. It is not necessary to lose consciousness to suffer from a concussion, which can take months or even years to completely heal.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries. One example of this is Shaken Baby Syndrome, but a car accident can produce it as well. The actual brain matter tears and the chemical and communication processes are disrupted. Massive brain damage, a coma or even death can result.
Contusions. Otherwise known as a bruise, contusions cause bleeding inside of the skull and might have to be excised surgically.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries. These are double contusions at the impact site as well as on the brain’s opposite side. The injuries happen when a great force strikes the brain at the first site, and then slams it into the other side of the skull at the second contusion site.
Second Impact Syndrome. Sometimes, after one serious head trauma, a patient will suffer a second before the first has healed. The second injury is usually more serious and can result in death from swelling of the brain.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury due to negligence from another person or entity, you have a right to seek justice from the civil court system.
Source: Brain Injury of North America, « About brain injury, » accessed Aug. 07, 2015