When the brain is subject to a strong blow, this could cause it to hit the side of the skull and negatively affect and damage the blood vessels. Although the brain is protected by a fluid known as the cerebrospinal fluid, it is still very vulnerable to such injuries. For instance, a child hit on the head by a book can cause brain swelling. Or, a person who is in a vehicular accidents and hits head against the steering wheel can also suffer from brain swelling. Lastly, falling, tripping on a hard surface from a high altitude will cause swelling as well.

As you can see, there are so many causes of brain injury swelling but it can be categorized according to direct trauma or indirect trauma. In this article, we will discuss the many causes of brain injury swelling so that you have a better understanding:

Direct Trauma – Direct Trauma is a when the head experiences a strong force which sends shock waves through the brain. During this injury, the individual experience direct trauma from skull fracture penetrating the brain and damaging the tissue.  In addition, with direct trauma, individuals might not see blood or an open wound however, there is still damage. You see, although the skull is tough and can withstand strong blows, the brain cannot. In fact, when the brain is slammed against the hard surface of the skull that causes the brain to swell. Swelling is caused by either a bruise or bleeding

Indirect Trauma – With indirect trauma, there is no actual blow or impact from outside forces like a cement wall, hard surface, or car accident. Indirect Trauma is caused by severe shaking, whiplash, or when a person is close to a booming sound like a bomb.

There are also other causes of brain swelling or edema due to secondary injuries. For example, if there is an increase in the intracranial pressure this can stop the blood from traveling to the skull, resulting in swelling. Since the blood is unable to reach the skull and deliver oxygen as needed, the person starts to get a fever, headaches, or increase blood pressure. The best way to relieve this is the remove the pressure by drilling a hole in a strategic place of the skull. Other indirect trauma to the brain that causes swelling are hematoma which is bleeding into the brain or a blood clot; hydrocephalus or hygroma which are when fluids start to accumulate in the brain.

Sometimes, the signs of brain swelling is not immediately seen because there is no blood or open wound. However, you can watch out for signs like confusion or loss of consciousness, abnormal breathing, slurred speech, impaired vision, clear fluid or blood coming out of the ears, nose, or mouth, dizziness, vomiting, stiffness, and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Demas & Rosenthal has been representing injury victims for nearly twenty years. We are committed to offering the highest quality representation and level of service. We have extensive experience handling a variety of brain injury and have the resources to take on major corporations and insurance companies; Please, do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article.  Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Demas & Rosenthal will provide a free, confidential consultation if you were injured. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.