Common Traumatic Brain Injuries 

There are several types of traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. The severity of a specific injury has less to do with the type of TBI it is and more to do with other, outside factors. For example, while concussions are generally thought of as less serious than other types of TBIs, a severe concussion or repeated concussions can result in permanent brain damage. 

Some of the more common types of TBIs include:

• Concussions – Caused by a sudden impact/blow to the head or a sudden change in head movement (such as whiplash)
• Contusions – Bruising of the brain, caused by the brain hitting the side of the skull after a sudden impact
• Subdural Hematoma – The collection of blood that forms between the brain and the protective layers of tissue inside the skull
• Hemorrhage – Excessive bleeding that occurs when an artery within the brain bursts; this is technically a type of stroke
• Penetrating Injury – Caused by an outside object that goes through the skull and pierces or otherwise damages the brain

Understanding Closed Head Injuries and Brain Swelling

The first four of these common TBIs—concussions, contusions, subdural hematomas, and hemorrhages—are collectively known as “closed head injuries.” These and other types of TBIs can cause the brain to swell rapidly. With nowhere to expand into, the brain can become further damaged as brain tissues compress.