A brain contusion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It happens when the brain hits the inside of the skull during a sudden impact. The tissue becomes bruised, and small blood vessels may break. That pressure can interfere with brain function and, in some cases, cause lasting damage.
What Makes a Brain Contusion Different from Other Head Injuries?
Not all head injuries are the same. Some involve no visible damage at all. Others leave the brain bruised and swollen. A brain contusion falls into the second category.
What sets it apart is the physical damage to the brain tissue. The injury occurs at a specific point where the head was struck. Swelling and bleeding in that area can, depending on the location, affect nearby brain functions.
Symptoms vary widely, but many people experience confusion, headaches, nausea, or dizziness. More serious cases can involve seizures, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness.
Because of the swelling, symptoms can get worse over time. That’s why early observation and medical imaging are often critical. The bleeding or inflammation inside the skull may continue even if the injured person initially seems alert.
What a Cerebral Contusion Looks Like on Scans
When a person has suffered from a cerebral contusion, CT scans or MRIs often reveal bleeding or localized swelling. This is different from other head injuries, like concussions, which typically don’t show structural damage.
Doctors usually check for contusions if someone has hit their head and shows symptoms that don’t improve or worsen over time. Surgery may sometimes be needed to relieve pressure in the skull or remove damaged tissue.
Even when surgery isn’t required, brain contusions often take weeks or months to heal. Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment begins.
Contusion vs. Concussion: What’s the Difference?
“Contusion” and “concussion” are often confused, but they refer to different types of brain injury. A concussion affects how the brain functions but usually shows no visible damage. The impact can cause symptoms like confusion or memory loss, but the effects are typically temporary and spread across the brain.
A contusion is more localized. It’s a bruise on the brain, often caused by a direct blow. In some cases, it involves bleeding. Because the damage is physical and concentrated, recovery can take longer.
Some accidents cause both injuries at once. A strong enough impact can shake the brain and bruise it simultaneously. That overlap can make symptoms more complex and the recovery more difficult.
How These Injuries Affect Daily Life
The effects of a brain contusion don’t end when the swelling goes down. Some people deal with memory problems, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating long after the injury. Others have trouble with speech, coordination, or sleep. Even mild brain trauma can interfere with a person’s ability to return to work or manage basic tasks.
People dealing with brain contusions after accidents often face high medical bills, time away from work, and extended rehab. These challenges can last for months. Some injuries result in permanent impairment.When someone else’s negligence causes the injury—a distracted driver, an unsafe work site, or a fall on poorly maintained property—it may be grounds for a legal claim.
Contact our St. Louis Brain Injury Lawyers from Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173