Understanding Differences Between Cerebral Contusions and Concussions

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we at the Brain Injury Law Center recognize the importance of educating our clients and the public about these matters to ensure they receive the legal support and medical attention they deserve.

In this guide, we explore the fundamental differences between cerebral contusions and concussions, shedding light on their causes, symptoms, treatment procedures, and potential legal implications. We aim to provide valuable insights that empower you to navigate these challenging circumstances with confidence.

Read on to gain a deeper understanding of the crucial distinctions between concussions and brain contusions. Reach out to the Brain Injury Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000 for actionable legal advice and representation.

The Difference Between Concussion and Contusion: Medical Definitions

​​Here are the medical definitions for a concussion and a cerebral (head) contusion:

Concussion

A concussion, often referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), is characterized by a temporary disruption of normal brain function following a sudden jolt, blow, or impact to the head or body. Unlike more severe TBIs, such as contusions or hematomas, concussions typically do not involve structural damage to the brain visible on imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs. 

Instead, concussions result from rapid acceleration or deceleration forces that cause the brain to briefly shift or rotate within the skull, leading to functional disturbances.

Contusions

A cerebral contusion, on the other hand, is another type of acquired brain injury that involves the bruising or bleeding of brain tissue due to a direct impact or trauma to the head. Unlike concussions, contusions often result in visible damage to the brain structure, which can be detected through neuroimaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs. 

The severity of a contusion can vary widely, ranging from minor bruises to extensive hemorrhages, depending on the force and location of the impact.

In summary, while concussions and contusions both fall under the umbrella of head injuries, their medical definitions and clinical presentations differ significantly. 

Concussions involve temporary functional disturbances of the brain without visible structural damage, whereas contusions entail bruising or bleeding of brain tissue often accompanied by focal neurological deficits. 

By comprehending these distinctions, injury lawyers can better advocate for their clients’ rights and ensure they receive appropriate medical care and legal representation tailored to their specific needs.

Concussion Vs. Contusion: Common Causes

Both concussions and brain contusions are commonly caused by the following injuries:

• Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other motor vehicle collisions can lead to head injuries, especially if the head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or other hard surfaces. A serious bicycle accident can also cause both types of head injuries.
• Workplace Injuries: Some occupations involve a higher risk of head injuries, such as construction work or jobs where workers are exposed to falling objects or machinery accidents.
• Falls: Falls from heights, slipping, or tripping can result in a blow to the head, causing a concussion or cerebral contusion. This is particularly common in young children and older adults.
• Sports and Recreational Injuries: Concussions frequently occur in contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and boxing, where collisions and falls are common. A contusion can result from these impact sports as well, including recreational activities such as winter sports (skiing/snowboarding/ice skating), skateboarding, or horseback riding.
• Assaults: Physical assaults, fights, and acts of violence such as shaken baby syndrome can result in head trauma and concussions or contusions.

It’s important to note that any activity or situation that involves sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head can potentially cause a concussion or brain bruising. 

Additionally, repeated concussions, even mild ones, can have cumulative effects and increase the risk of long-term complications. Thus, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly if a concussion is suspected.

Brain Contusion Vs. Concussion: Symptoms

Similar symptoms that both of these conditions share include:

• Headache: Both brain contusions and concussions commonly present with headaches. These headaches may vary in intensity and duration and may persist for days or weeks following the injury.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Another shared symptom is nausea and vomiting. The disruption to normal brain function in both conditions can trigger these gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Dizziness and Balance Problems: Individuals with either a brain contusion or concussion may experience dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance. This symptom can be particularly pronounced immediately following the injury.
• Cognitive Impairments: Both conditions can result in cognitive difficulties, such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slowed thinking. These cognitive impairments may interfere with daily activities and may persist for varying lengths of time.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom in both brain contusions and concussions. Individuals may feel excessively tired or lethargic, even after minimal physical or mental exertion.

Differences in symptoms that can help alert a doctor or medic to correct diagnosis and treatment include:

• Loss of Consciousness: While both brain contusions and concussions can lead to a loss of consciousness, it tends to be more common and prolonged in severe cases of contusions. Concussions may or may not involve a loss of consciousness, and if present, it is typically brief.
• Focal Neurological Deficits: Brain contusions often result in focal neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body. These deficits correspond to the specific area of the brain affected by the contusion. Concussions, on the other hand, typically do not produce focal neurological symptoms unless complications arise.
• Severity of Symptoms: In general, brain contusions tend to produce more severe and persistent symptoms compared to concussions. The severity of symptoms in contusions can vary depending on the extent and location of the brain injury.
• Onset of Symptoms: Symptoms of a concussion usually appear immediately or shortly after the head injury, whereas symptoms of a brain contusion may develop gradually over time, sometimes hours to days after the injury.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Brain contusions often involve bleeding within the brain tissue, leading to the formation of hematomas or hematoma expansion. This complication is not typically associated with concussions unless there are severe underlying injuries.

Understanding these similarities and differences in symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management of brain contusions and concussions. 

Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms following a head injury should seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and care.

Head Contusion Vs. Head Concussion: Are These Injuries Related?

Head contusions and head concussions are indeed related, as they both fall under the broader category of head injuries. It’s also important to note that it is possible to have both a concussion and a brain contusion at the same time. Just because you have one doesn’t mean you have the other.

If you suspect you or someone else has suffered a concussion or contusion, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. If you need to pursue legal action to access the funds needed for treatment, contact the Brain Injury Law Center at (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation.