Car Accident Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unlike any other injury. An external traumatic brain injury occurs when a force penetrates or fractures the skull. An internal traumatic brain injury may occur by blunt-force trauma, such as a blow to the head or a car crash. Either way, brain injuries do not heal in the same manner as broken limbs and lacerated skin. Sometimes, a brain injury isn’t even immediately recognizable. Read on to discover 3 unique aspects of brain injury cases.
- Loss of Consciousness May Not Occur
Loss of consciousness is not a prerequisite to TBI, though it certainly can be one of the largest indicators that a head injury as occurred. Even if the person does not lose consciousness, they may still have a minor head injury, like a concussion. A moderate brain injury is defined as a loss of consciousness from 20 minutes to 6 hours. A loss of consciousness that lasts longer than 6 hours is considered a severe brain injury.
- Falls Account for the Majority of TBI’s
Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. These falls disproportionately affect young (0-14 years old) and old (over 65 years old) populations. Often these victims fall from bed, ladders, stairs, or in the bath.
Being struck by or against an object is the second leading cause of TBI, followed by motor vehicle crashes.
- Variety of Treatment Options
Traumatic brain injuries are each so unique that, depending on the severity of the injury, a variety of treatment options are available for patients.
Initial Treatment: is the first type of treatment used to stabilize a patient immediately following a traumatic brain injury. The patient will continue to be monitored by nursing staff and may even be assigned a psychologist and trauma social worker.
Acute Treatment: is used to minimize secondary injury and life support. Sedation, medications, and mechanical ventilation may be used.
Surgical Treatment: the goal of surgical treatment is often to minimize swelling and pressure in the brain cavity. A bolt or other monitoring device maybe placed in the skull to monitor pressure. If there was bleeding in the brain cavity, it may be surgically removed or drained. Vessels, tissues, and fractures may also need to be repaired.
Rehabilitative Center Treatment: in rehab, the goal is to continue to stabilize the patient medically, prevent secondary complications, restore any lost functional abilities, and encourage functional independence.
If you think you may have suffered a brain injury due to an auto accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer turns to today to determine what sort of damages you may be entitled to for your injuries.