What is a Closed Head/Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when there is a sudden physical impact to the brain. During a collision, for example, a vehicle occupant can hit the dashboard or stop suddenly, causing the brain to crash against the inside of the skull. In a crash, forces up to thirty times the victim’s weight are involved. A swelling of the brain tissue and bruising known as contusion often results.
Some brain injuries can be detected during an emergency room visit by an MRI, CT scan, X-ray or EEG. Others occur within the deep recesses of the brain and are not immediately obvious. Deficits may not become apparent until later when complex tasks
are undertaken.