What Are Non-Traumatic Brain Injuries?

There are two kinds of brain injuries.  One is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the other is a Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (Non-TBI).  A TBI is caused when a person is hit or struck on the head and the brain is shifted around, causing injury to the brain.  A common non-traumatic type of brain injury is called “Anoxic Brain Injury” or “Hypoxic Brain Injury” which is a non-traumatic type of injury caused by a partial or complete loss of oxygen to the brain.  This can happen from inhaling toxic chemicals, having an aneurysm, during cardiac arrest, or suffering with a seizure disorder.   Another type of non-traumatic brain injury is caused by inhaling airborne substances with or without your knowledge.  Many airborne chemicals are odorless such as carbon monoxide (CO) and can be deadly.  Toxic airborne substances such as CO and byproducts from fuels, solvents, glues paints, thinners and pesticides can cause serious brain injuries; however, the full extent of damage done to the brain on a long-term scale is not fully understood.   Medical researchers do know that long-term exposure to these toxins can slowly damage the brain compared to a TBI which may be more immediate.

A common side effect of a TBI or non-traumatic head injury are frequent headaches and migraines.  Brain injury victims exposed to low level toxins may experience chronic headaches, nausea, overall lethargy, muscle weakness, confusion, or visual disturbances.  Impairment on a cognitive scale is a known long-term consequence of being exposed to airborne toxic chemicals.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to toxic chemicals at work or another location, contact a New Mexico TBI attorney.  A brain injury lawyer can advise you and your family of your rights, and represent you against the insurance company or corporation at fault.  Proper medical documentation is necessary to prove your case and an experience injury firm has the legal staff to assist you.  Never attempt to work with insurance companies on your own or you risk not receiving the proper amount of compensation owed for any damages.