Recognizing Moderate to Severe TBI

Closed head injuries are sometimes able to be visualized on CT, MRI or similar medical imaging devices. Because brain swelling frequently accompanies closed head injury, the victim's life may be at issue. Survival of the patient is of premier importance. The maintenance of quality of life of the survivor is also of primary importance.

Moderate to severe brain injury generally results in impairments that can be related to the original trauma. However, insurance companies and their lawyers usually argue that the physical impairments are not related to the brain injury. The effects of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury are diverse and may be different from one patient to another. These impairments may include: paralysis, sensory losses, decreased muscle control, hemi-pareses, weakness, seizures, sleep disorders, speech and eating disorders, as well as memory and recall difficulties. While a coma, even a temporary one, is a clear indication of a severe traumatic brain injury, it is also not uncommon for a person who has sustained a severe brain injury not to experience coma.

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