Contusion vs. Concussion
Contusion vs. concussion—what’s the difference? A brain contusion is a bruise impacting a localized area of the brain. A concussion involves more widespread damage. Both are traumatic brain injuries that cause significant, long-term effects in moderate to severe cases. Our personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC help brain injury victims pursue compensation for their harm and suffering. We have recovered many millions of dollars for clients in Bucks County and across Pennsylvania who have suffered from head injuries.
Contusions and concussions are two types of brain injuries that can have serious, long-lasting consequences. However, they are not the same, and both are commonly confused. What’s the difference between a contusion vs. concussion? Is a concussion a brain bruise? Is a brain bleed a concussion? It’s important to understand the distinction between these terms and how they differ regarding diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
A brain contusion is a bruise on the brain and is typically limited in size. A concussion involves broader damage to the brain resulting from a sudden forceful impact. Both concussions and contusions can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. It’s possible to experience both a concussion and a contusion simultaneously.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our personal injury lawyers help people with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones get compensation for the negligence that contributed to their injuries. We are familiar with the many nuances of brain injuries. Our attorneys have obtained numerous successful results for brain injury victims across Pennsylvania.
Understanding Brain Contusions
A brain contusion is a traumatic brain injury involving the leakage of the blood vessels in a small area. It’s different from cerebral hemorrhaging, which involves larger amounts of blood loss.
Contusions often accompany other types of head injuries, including concussions. However, it’s possible to sustain a mild contusion with no other damage to the brain.
Symptoms of a Contusion
Because contusions typically impact only a localized area, the symptoms depend on which part of the brain is impacted. However, general symptoms can include:
- Pain
- Visible bruising on the head
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Cognitive difficulties
- Personality changes
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
A mild contusion will usually resolve on its own without lasting effects. Moderate to severe contusions can result in lasting damage to the brain.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a sudden jarring movement of the brain that damages delicate tissues. It often involves the brain colliding against the inside of the skull.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Because concussions impact a bigger area of the brain than contusions, they often result in more widespread symptoms, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Personality changes
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
Contrary to popular belief, many concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion often last much longer than those of a mild contusion. Long-term effects such as post-concussion syndrome are possible.
Common Causes of Contusions and Concussions
Contusions and concussions can stem from many different causes, including:
- Falls
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Assault and domestic violence
Youth sports injuries also are a common cause of both contusions and concussions. Unsafe conditions or inadequate safety protections may be to blame.
How Are Brain Contusions and Concussions Diagnosed?
Brain contusions are diagnosed through various methods, including the patient’s history and symptoms. The contusion may be evident from bruising on the head. Doctors can typically determine the extent of the bleeding through a CT scan. More detailed MRI scans are another available diagnostic tool.
Concussions aren’t typically visible in a CT scan or MRI unless contusions accompany them. Concussion diagnoses are usually based on the symptoms and history, as well as cognitive testing, reflex testing, and other neurological exams.
Cordisco & Saile LLC provides an online concussion quiz as a fast and simple tool to assess whether you have a concussion. Of course, seeking professional medical care and prompt treatment after any suspected head injury is critical.
Medical diagnosis and treatment are especially critical for suspected concussions among youths, as their brains are still developing.
How Are Brain Contusions and Concussions Treated?
The treatment depends on the type and severity of the concussion or contusion. In mild to moderate cases, rest is the most important factor in recovery. Physical and cognitive rest—avoiding active thinking, sensory input, and other cognitive demands—allow the brain to repair itself.
In more severe cases of brain contusions, surgery may be required to relieve the pressure on the brain.
Why Hire an Experienced Brain Injury Lawyer
A contusion or concussion can potentially have long-term consequences for your cognitive functioning. They can also come with a hefty price tag.
Concussions, contusions, and other brain injuries often result in costly medical care and can lead to other financial repercussions, such as lost wages from missed work. Additionally, the long-term effects, such as post-concussion syndrome, can diminish the quality of life.
Many traumatic brain injuries result from the carelessness of others. If someone else’s negligence contributed to your brain injury or that of a loved one, you may have a claim for compensation. Enlisting the help of an experienced brain injury attorney is critical for pursuing a favorable financial recovery.
Proven Attorneys For Brain Injury Victims
Our attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC are committed to helping brain injury victims secure the compensation they need for a brighter future.
We can review your case and determine whether you have a personal injury claim. If so, you may be entitled to significant compensation. We can help you pursue damages to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. We will also pursue compensation for your pain and suffering.
Our lawyers handle brain injury cases across Bucks County and the surrounding areas, including Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. We are well-equipped to represent brain injury victims throughout Pennsylvania.
Results Totalling Millions
Our team has recovered many millions of dollars in brain injury settlements for our clients, including:
- $10 million for a client who sustained brain injuries in a truck crash
- Nearly $3 million for a client with traumatic brain injuries due to a motorcycle crash
- $1 million for a client who sustained brain injuries in a car accident
- $470,000 for brain injuries suffered in a wave runner accident
- $242,500 for a brain injury suffered in a minor impact rear-end accident
- $195,000 for a brain injury suffered in a Bucks County bicycle accident
Review more of our many outstanding case results.
Award-Winning Attorneys with Proven Success
Our lawyers have earned multiple forms of recognition for their success in securing justice for injury victims, including:
- “Top 100 Lawyers” by the American Trial Lawyers Association
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy
- Superb 10/10 rating on Avvo
- Bucks County’s Top 40 Under 40
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Awesome Attorneys List by Suburban Life Magazine
- Top 10 Attorney Awards by Attorney and Practice Magazine
Even more notable are our many outstanding client reviews and success stories, which reflect the high level of attention and care we devote to every brain injury case.
Contact Our Team Today
We can help you evaluate your options for pursuing a personal injury claim after a brain contusion, concussion, or other serious injury. You will find a compassionate legal team dedicated to your successful recovery. Please contact us today to talk to an experienced lawyer about your situation.
