Winters Brain Injury Lawyer

Individuals and families who have experienced a traumatic brain injury understand that this can change someone’s life very quickly. A head injury can make it difficult for someone to retain employment, attend school, and perform the activities that bring them joy. Such a severe injury may impact relationships with family members and friends, adding stress to everyday life. Fortunately, with proper medical care, some individuals who suffer a TBI will end up making a meaningful recovery. The recovery process can be long and may include a long-term hospital stay, a visit to the ICU, surgical procedures, and visits from medical specialists. This can be overwhelming for a family. Because of this, there is some important information that everyone should keep in mind when it comes to neurological injuries.

An Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Because medical professionals can use terms such as “traumatic brain injury,” “TBI,” and “neurological injury” interchangeably, it is understandable that families may become confused. In general, individuals and their loved ones should know that any blow to the head can cause a change in the way that the brain functions. This is the typical definition of a traumatic brain injury. Severe blows to the head may cause permanent changes in the way that the brain works.

In addition to this, there are multiple ways that a blow to the head might be described. Some of these terms include:

• Blunt Head Injury: In a direct head injury, the blow to the head does not penetrate the surface of the skin. Even though the surface of the skin isn’t broken, the brain might still be injured. This injury is more severe if a fractured skull results from the impact. An example of a blunt head injury is a blow from a baseball bat.
• Penetrating Head Injury: In a penetrating head injury, the surface of the skin is broken, damaging the brain tissue underneath. A penetrating head injury can tear blood vessels within the brain, leading to a brain bleed. An example of a penetrating head injury is a gunshot or stab wound.

What are the Common Mechanisms of a TBI?

A traumatic brain injury can happen at any time; however, there are a few common ways that a head injury might be sustained. Some of these mechanisms include:

• Auto Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents can occur at any time, and traumatic injuries can result. One of the most common is a head injury. Rapid changes in the momentum of the vehicle can cause the occupants to strike their head on the window, door, or dashboard. Individuals can even suffer injuries from a vehicular ejection, leading to catastrophic injuries.
• Slip and Fall Injuries: Even though fall accidents are common, serious injuries may still result. A fall down a flight of stairs, off a roof, or a wet floor may lead to people striking their head on the ground. This blunt impact may cause a TBI.
• Sports: Recreational and competitive sports have the potential to cause serious head injuries. Contact sports such as football, soccer, and even basketball may lead to concussions. Repeated concussions may lead to long-term health issues.

Because traumatic brain injuries are always serious, they need to be treated right away. Rapid treatment of a head injury is essential in beginning the recovery process and improving someone’s prognosis.

Recognizing a Neurological Injury

Everyone needs to know how to recognize a neurological injury. Rapidly addressing a head injury begins with knowing some of the common signs. Following an accident, an individual might develop problems staying awake. He or she might also suffer from rapid mood swings, weakness in a part of the body, or numbness in certain body parts. Difficulty with hearing or vision might also be a sign of a TBI.

Even though an individual may think that he or she is fine, these symptoms may start to get worse with time. Because of this, anyone who sustains an impact to the head or neck area needs to seek medical care immediately. The more quickly a TBI is treated, the better the prognosis.

The Treatment of a TBI

The good news is that there are multiple treatment options available for someone who has been diagnosed with a TBI. Some of these treatment options include:

• Pain Control: Nobody should have to live in pain. Medications will be provided to make individuals feel more comfortable. These include anti-inflammatory medicines in addition to the judicious use of narcotic and opioid drugs.
• Cerebral Swelling: Measures will also be taken to prevent the brain from swelling. This includes blood pressure control, anti-inflammatory options, and careful monitoring of someone’s neurological status. Cerebral swelling may lead to a brain herniation, a much-feared complication.
• Surgery: In some situations, surgery might be required to avoid some of the complications of a TBI. During this surgical procedure, a portion of the skull may be removed to reduce the intracranial pressure and give the brain space to heal.

With proper medical care, many individuals who suffer a TBI can make a meaningful recovery. In addition to seeking medical attention, other professionals can help families during the recovery process.

Treatment for a TBI usually depends on the type of injury. The following video discusses the different treatments.

Winters Brain Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Winters Brain Injury Lawyer. Suffering a brain injury could lead to a significant amount of stress for not only the individuals but also their friends and family members. If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury following an accident, please contact my office at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free advice.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 7.27.20]

Image Attributions: Pixabay 

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