The United States government and the Center for Disease Control have defined mild traumatic brain injury. The 2007 Center for Disease Control definition is:
The term mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is used interchangeably with the term concussion. An MTBI or concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces secondary to direct or indirect forces to the head. MTBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. This disturbance of brain function is typically associated with normal structural neuro-imaging findings (i.e., CT scan, MRI). MTBI results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms and may or may not involve a loss of consciousness (LOC). Duration of symptoms is highly variable and may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases.
Similarly, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Congress Of Rehabilitative Medicine and have also authored definitions of mild traumatic brain injury as well:
- American Academy of Neurology Quality Standard Subcommittee
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee Of The Head Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group Of The American Congress Of Rehabilitative Medicine.
The common theme among all diagnostic definitions is that in order to be diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury, it is not necessary to strike your head nor suffer a loss of consciousness. In fact, mild traumatic brain injury is often sustained as a result of forces generated due to the rapid acceleration/deceleration of the brain. This often causes what is referred to as Diffuse Axonal Injuryand results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms commonly referred to as post-concussion syndrome.
Traumatic brain injury can have long lasting implications for the victim due to extensive medical bills and post treatment costs. Learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury by contacting the New York brain injury lawyers at Goldblatt and Associates to schedule a free consultation. We serve accident injury victims in New York City, Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester and Putnam Counties, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. Contact us at toll free at 1-800-567-9888 or locally at 914-788-5000. We offer a free initial consultation, and receive no fee unless we are successful.