Severe brain injury refers to an injury to the brain due to an external blow to the head. Severe brain injury can also be called a closed head injury and can occur when there is a severe blow to the head such as in a fall or motor vehicle accident. When the skull hits a stationary object, such as the pavement, the brain inside the skull is twisted or turned around the brain stem causing widespread or localized damage to the brain. Because the brain floats inside the skull, it may also be jostled around inside the skull, causing even more damage to the brain. Severe brain injury may be immediately followed by a period of temporary unconsciousness. This temporary period can be days, weeks or even months and is known as coma. The longer the patient is in a coma the more likely they are going to have severe brain damage. The twisting of the brain during the severe brain injury can cause damage or bruising to many parts of the brain called diffuse damage. This damage can cause varying degrees of damage, sometimes long-term. Severe brain injury can cause many injuries that require medical attention for many years along with loss of wages and other financial hardships. An attorney who specializes in TBI or severe head injury can help victims obtain the compensation they deserve.