Contrecoup - When the brain is thrust against both sides of the skull, a contrecoup injury occurs. The brain hits one side of the skull, rebounds and hits the other side of the skull.

Skull fracture - A skull fracture is a break in the bone that surrounds the brain. Many times this type of injury will heal by itself, but if tissue damage has occurred below the fracture, surgery may be required.

Epidural hematoma - An epidural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the top lining of the brain, known as the dura. The clot causes pressure changes in the brain, which can require surgery.

Subdural hematoma - A subdural hematoma is when blood accumulates between the brain tissue and the dura. It can be referred to as a chronic subdural hematoma when it occurs slowly over several weeks. An acute subdural hematoma is a more severe version but both may require surgery.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) - DAI is a type of brain injury that occurs with the rotation and disruption of the brain inside the skull, which severs or shears the brain's long connecting nerve fibers or axons. These types of injuries can be hard to detect. Studies seem to indicate that the damage to the axons occurs within the first 12 to 24 hours after the injury. The effects of this brain injury may not be long term, but if severe could also result in permanent disability and coma.

After a brain or head injury, things that were once easy and familiar can become difficult and strange. Something that once took little effort now requires a great deal of effort. Victims of brain and head injuries often become less efficient, unreliable, unpredictable and sometimes violent. They may develop behavior problems at home and school, which can cause personal relationships to suffer. Often brain and head injuries cannot be detected by diagnostic tests such as EEGs, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs or PET Scans. Neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and friends and family are often helpful in diagnosing head and brain injuries.

There is so much at stake and so many legal issues involved in getting someone properly compensated for their injuries. That is why it is important that victims of head and brain injuries hire an attorney that can tackle the complex legal tasks involved in a brain and head injury claim and protect the rights of the victim.