Pennsylvania Closed Head Injury Attorneys

Closed head injuries are defined as hard blows to the head from striking an object, or even a shock wave, but the scalp and skull were not broken. Of all head injuries, this is the most common type, and generally speaking is considered the most mild of all head and brain injuries. However, even a closed head injury that does not cause visible bleeding of the scalp or skull can be extremely dangerous. This is because the brain itself does not need to be cut or penetrated by an outside object to be damaged. The brain fits inside the skull snugly, without much space between it and the sides of the skull. Any sudden, violent blow can throw the brain itself against the skull, destroying brain cells, or even tearing neutrons (which connect cells and allow them to communicate with each other). Extremely violent blows can break blood vessels which can cause the brain to sustain further damage as time passes. This is why medical experts always suggest that individuals seek treatment following a head injury, especially if you have any traumatic brain injury symptoms.

Concussions are considered closed head injruies; they are specifically defined by physicians as a head injury with no internal bleeding that temporarily disrupts the normal functions of the brain. Concussions can be classified as mild or severe, but they're not life-threatening. Victims can temporarily lose thier short term memory, they may or may not pass out, or they can even feel confused and disoriented. These symptoms, however, pass within a few days and the injured victim can resume their regular activities. It is important, however, for the victims to do their best to avoid another traumatic head injury in the weeks following a concussion, this is because even a mild second impact to the same area can be life-threatening.

Contusions are also considered a class of closed head injury, but these are much more serious. A contusion is essentially a bruise tot he brain itself, it is also called a hematoma. Even though these types of injuries are usually minor, brain contusions can be very serious because there are several ways that these injuries can lead to further brain damage. One way this happens is if the brain loses too much blood, due to the fact that blood carries oxygen to the brain, a temporary loss of blood blow can starve brain cells, which can kill them in minutes. Bruises to the brain also cause swelling, known in medical terms as an edema. Depending on where in the head the bruising takes place determines how serious the injury is. Because the brain does not have much extra room in the skull, excessive swelling can force brain tissue to rub against the skull or one of the skulls sharp edges. This phenomenon, know as intrcranial pressure, eventually will destroy brain cells if it si not relieved. Doctors may have no choice but to operate, opening the skull to relieve the pressure.

Due to the fact that closed head injuries don't always leave a visible mark, they may go unnoticed or be dismissed as minor by doctors. To complicate matters, very often injured victims display no adverse effects following head injuries, functioning normally immediately following the accidents. But the symptoms of a brain injury may take days or even weeks to show up, especially if the victim has internal bleeding. If new symptoms appear -- or if old symptoms don't go away within a few days -- it's important to get medical treatment as soon as possible.

If you or someone you care about has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another person's negligence, you have the right to hold that negligent person accountable for his or her actions. In a traumatic brain injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, a permanent disability, pain and suffering and other damages. If you're considering traumatic brain injury litigation in Pennsylvania, you should speak with the experienced Philadelphia closed head injury lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today for a free in-home consultation of your case.