After your doctor told you that your loved one had suffered brain injury, you were probably too shocked to take it all in. You know he said there was “bleeding in the brain,” but you’re not sure how this will affect your family: will your loved one get better, or suffer permanent effects?
Bleeding in the brain, also called a hematoma, can occur in mild or serious head injuries. The effects your relative will suffer largely depend on the type and size of the bleed. For instance:
- Epidural hematoma. These bleeds take place in the area underneath the skull, but on top of the dura matter (the tough sac surrounding the brain). They are usually a result of a skull fracture, as bone fragments may tear the meningeal artery that runs just beneath the skull.
- Subdural hematoma. This hematoma forms underneath both the skull and the dura, but is still outside of the brain. These may be caused by any tear in the veins running from the brain to the dura, or from an injury to the brain itself.
- Intracerebral hematoma. This type of bleeding occurs inside the brain itself. The brain may continue to hemorrhage or form blood clots, putting the patient at risk of a stroke if surgical action is not taken.
The biggest danger when a hematoma develops is the loss of oxygen to the brain. Surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the victim’s brain, reducing the risk of permanent brain damage—but in some cases, the victim may never fully recover lost faculties.
If someone you love is unable to work due to Louisville brain injury, the trusted attorneys at Gray and White can help you seek compensation. Call us today at 800.634.8767 to begin your FREE consultation.