How is brain function affected by a TBI ?
How function is affected depends on which cells are damaged and to what extent. It is well documented that specific areas of the brain control certain functions. The diffuse damage usually caused by a closed head injury produces unpredictable and inconsistent limitations. The contact of the brain with the skull at the actual point of impact and the consequent motion as the brain strikes the opposite side of the skull after the initial impact cause contusions to develop on the brain at each point of contact. Secondary damage can be caused when tissue is torn, compressed or twisted from the violent force moving the brain within the skull. Open head injuries usually cause localized damage, which in turn causes limitations in those functions associated with the damaged area(s).
