A primary brain injury refers to a sudden and catastrophic head injury that is considered to be more or less complete at the time of impact. This may include such events as an automobile accident, a gunshot wound, or a severe fall. Closed brain injury may also occur without direct external trauma to the head if the brain undergoes a rapid forward or backward movement, such as when a person experiences whiplash, or when babies are shaken.
Some brain injuries are mild, with symptoms disappearing over time with proper attention.
Others are more severe and may result in permanent disability. Epilepsy occurs in two to five percent of all people who sustain brain injury, but it is much more common with severe or penetrating injuries. While most seizures occur immediately after the injury or within the first year, it is also possible for epilepsy to surface years later. Epilepsy includes both major or generalized seizures and minor or partial seizures. As the patient improves, a team of specialists may be used to evaluate and treat the problems that result, including physiatrists, psychiatrists, nurses, neuropsychologists, clinical social workers, nutritionists, special educators, occupational, physical, speech and language therapists, pastoral care providers, and activity therapists or vocational therapists.