Traumatic brain injuries result in severe consequences

April 18, 2013

Traumatic brain injuries result in severe consequences

Article provided by Kenneth W. Drake & Associates Law Offices
Visit us at http://www.sfvinjurylaw.com

Brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries, are commonly caused by the negligence of another, such as a driver's negligence that causes a car accident. Surgical errors that cause nerve damage are another common cause of TBIs -- and may result in a medical malpractice suit.

TBIs can be mild, moderate or severe

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBIs are also commonly caused by:
-Falling from a high surface
-Being struck by a hard object
-Being attacked or assaulted

The Brain Injury Association of America reports that approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer a TBI every year. A TBI can happen to anyone but may affect each person differently. A TBI occurs when the brain suffers an injury from a blow to the head. A TBI frequently results in physical, cognitive and emotional impairment.

There are three classes of TBI: mild, moderate and severe. An individual who suffers from mild TBI usually does not lose consciousness, and the entire episode lasts less than 30 minutes. However, even mild TBIs can considerably alter the brain's functionality.

If loss of consciousness occurs, the TBI is classified as moderate if the loss of consciousness lasts more than 30 minutes but less than 24 hours. Severe TBI involves a loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours. There is also a significant and permanent risk of seizures with a severe TBI.

A TBI produces confusion, fatigue and memory issues

A TBI damages nerve tracts in the brain. Nerve tracts control several cognitive functions. When the nerve tracts are impaired, they cannot communicate messages that tell the brain what to do.

This affects not only an individual's physical movement, but also his or her thinking and even personality. TBI symptoms vary based on the side of the brain that is affected, but injuries to both sides of the brain commonly cause confusion and extreme fatigue, as well as memory and concentration problems.

Other typical symptoms include:
-Headaches
-Ringing in the ears
-Poor taste in the mouth

Sleeping problems are also common. Individuals who experience a head injury and find themselves suffering from headaches that do not go away or face difficulty sleeping should consult a doctor immediately to see if they have suffered a TBI.

Unfortunately, there is minimal treatment for the initial brain trauma, and a doctor is likely to focus on preventing further injury.

Approximately half of TBI victims can be treated with surgery to repair any ruptured blood vessels or bruised brain tissue. However, the long-term physical and psychological effects are likely to remain. Individuals with moderate and severe injuries often receive a variety of ongoing rehabilitation, including physical, speech and occupational therapy. Additionally, a strong social support network of family and friends is essential.

Hire an attorney to protect your interests as you recover from a TBI

Because a TBI often requires extensive and intense treatment, an individual suffering from a TBI needs a skilled personal injury attorney. The attorney can ensure that all proper medical treatment is provided while also dealing with doctors, hospitals and insurance companies to make sure that the victim is compensated for the injuries.