Recognizing traumatic brain injury in Florida
Experiencing repeated head injuries, such as a concussion, can be extremely dangerous and is especially common in sports.
February 16, 2013
Recognizing traumatic brain injury in FloridaArticle provided by The Burns Law Firm
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Recently, a Florida Senator's 12-year-old daughter suffered from a concussion after being involved in a golf-cart accident. According to The Miami Herald, she received treatment at Miami Children's Hospital and is now recovering at home. She is in fair condition but is undergoing neurological testing. The continued neurological testing is necessary since the symptoms of a more serious condition may not show up right away. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Experiencing repeated head injuries, such as a concussion, can be extremely dangerous and is especially common in sports. For example, a junior high football player sustained a concussion during a football game. According to the Kitsap Sun, the first hit gave him the concussion, but he remained in the game. After another hit, he received a more severe concussion and collapsed at the end of the game. Doctors later stated that his brain was hemorrhaging because of the concussions. Fortunately, the player underwent two surgeries that saved his life.
Overview of traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury is a serious problem that can lead to death or permanent disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 1.7 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries every year.
TBI can occur from a blow to the head or some sort of injury that interrupts normal brain function. There are different levels of severity and can range from a momentary change in consciousness to a longer period of unconsciousness or amnesia. These periods of disrupted brain function can affect:
-Thinking
-Sensation
-Language
-Emotion
The most common form of TBI is a concussion. Symptoms can appear right away or may manifest over periods of time. The injured person or even those around them will often not recognize that there is a problem. Some people experience difficultly thinking or concentrating, headaches, nausea, anxiety or becoming more emotional and differences in sleep patterns. Those who experience symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Recovery and compensation for TBI
It is important to get a lot of rest so the brain can relax and work on healing. Those who try to return to their daily activities without giving their brain the chance to heal may be at risk of making their symptoms worse. A person suffering from TBI may need assistance with many daily activities, including getting ready in the morning and brushing their teeth. After consulting with a healthcare professional, the injured person can hopefully return to their regular activities.
Traumatic brain injuries can increase the risk of developing epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders. Injuries may also result in fatalities. A person who suffers a traumatic brain injury due to the fault of anther may be eligible to receive compensation. A local attorney can assist victims of brain injury and their families by helping to hold the person who caused the injury accountable.