What are the two types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary injuries. Primary injuries occur at the moment of trauma, including factors such as the impact force that physically damages the brain tissue, blood vessels, and cellular structures. This type of injury is immediate and can include contusions, lacerations, and concussions.

Secondary injuries, on the other hand, develop as the reaction to the primary injury progresses. They can occur minutes to days after the initial trauma and may involve mechanisms such as swelling, increased intracranial pressure, and cerebral hypoxia. This phase can be influenced by the body’s inflammatory response or the biochemical cascade that follows the primary injury, potentially leading to further neuronal death and complications.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the immediate effects and potential complications following a TBI, which is critical for paramedics when assessing and managing patients in the field. The other classifications, such as acute vs. chronic or open vs. closed, refer to different aspects related to the timing or nature of the injury rather than the defining mechanisms of injury itself.