Fighting for Victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Few things are as life-altering as a traumatic brain injury, and one of the most common and devastating forms of TBI is a diffuse axonal injury. The connective tissue of the brain is torn or severed, which can result in a number of disabilities and difficulties for the victim and family. In some cases, partial recovery is possible through extensive physical therapy, though in other instances, the damage is too severe.
If your loved one has been in a serious accident that caused a diffuse axonal injury – such as a car crash, sports injury, or assault – then the responsible party must be held accountable for what happened. A lawsuit can help you with medical expenses, compensate you for lost income, and punish reckless individuals for their negligent behavior.
You need an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer to represent you in the legal process, to fight to make sure your rights are protected. Call the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, at (303) 502-5587 to talk about what we can do for you.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries Explained
Diffuse axonal injuries usually occur as a result of sudden acceleration and deceleration of the brain. This violent motion causes shearing forces to the white matter of the brain, particularly the long, connecting fibers of the brain called axons. When this tissue is sheared, connections are lost, and irreparable harm is done to the brain.
Severity of Diffuse Axonal Injuries
There are three levels of diffuse axonal injuries, referred to as “grades.” They are:
- Grade 1: These are mild injuries that involve microscopic changes to the connective white matter in the brain.
- Grade 2: These are moderate injuries with more serious damage to the brain.
- Grade 3: These are severe injuries with greater damage to the brain.
Causes of Diffuse Axonal Injuries
In general, violent forces are required for these injuries to occur. They can happen due to a:
- Car Accident: Sudden acceleration and deceleration are quite common in crashes, especially when cars are traveling at high speeds.
- Sports Injury: Serious brain injuries are a special danger in full-contact sports. Collisions between players can be damaging, particularly when someone is struck in the head.
- Fall: Falls are extremely dangerous, especially when someone falls from a great height or on a staircase. Violent movements and impacts to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries, including diffuse axonal injuries.
- Assault: Criminal attacks that involve striking another person’s head can injure the brain. Diffuse axonal injuries are often seen in cases of child abuse, such as when a baby is shaken by an adult.
Consequences of Diffuse Axonal Injuries
The symptoms of a diffuse axonal injury depend on how severe the injury is. For example, Grade 1 injuries may seem similar to a concussion, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, and fatigue. More severe injuries, such as Grade 2, often result in a loss of consciousness. Grade 3 injuries are likely to result in a persistent vegetative state that most people will not recover from.
When recovery is possible, it usually requires some or all of the following:
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Adaptive equipment training
- Counseling for changes in lifestyle
If you or a loved one has suffered a diffuse axonal injury due to another person’s actions, you deserve compensation for what happened. Call the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, at (303) 502-5587 to discuss your case and talk about your options with a top Denver brain injury attorney.