What is a TBI/Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI is a type of head injury commonly associated with accidents.
TBIs are often devastating, not only for the injured person, but also their friends and family.
Since our brains define our personality, any damage to this part of the body can be extremely difficult to recover from.
Brain injuries occur when an individual’s head is exposed to trauma.
From temporary dizziness to permanent brain damage, this type of injury covers a broad spectrum of cognitive and physical symptoms.
If you or someone you know has sustained a TBI, The Personal Injury Lawyers can offer vital information relating to the treatment, recovery and compensation process, some of which we’ve detailed below.
A TBI can potentially influence every aspect of your life.
Depending on its severity, a TBI can potentially influence every aspect of your life and in the USA alone, upwards of 150 people a day suffer a TBI.
Damage to the brain can present in many different forms, including concussions, contusions, closed and open wounds, skull fractures, blood clots and other types of injuries.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
To recognise a TBI, it’s crucial to know the warning signs. Symptoms will usually vary depending on how much brain damage a person has sustained. In most cases, a TBI can be categorised as either mild or severe.
We’ve listed the most typical characteristics associated with each injury category below:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes
Memory problems
Confusion
Dizziness
Headache
Fatigue
Irritability.
Despite indicating a mild TBI, you should still see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Loss of consciousness lasting more than 30 minutes
Vomiting and nausea
Impairment of cognitive functions, such as slurred speech
Persistent headache
Seizures
Complete loss of coordination.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs can be sustained in any circumstances, but they most commonly occur in motor vehicle accidents.
In many cases, the human skull’s natural vulnerability simply can’t cope with the force of a violent car crash.
Traumatic brain injuries are getting more awareness due to the medical and sporting industry sharing their brain injury research.
Other Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Other common causes include:
Falls – Elderly people and young children are especially prone to falls
Being struck by an object – Even small objects can cause a significant amount of damage to the brain
Assault – Often involving blunt force trauma, violent assaults account for a large percentage of TBIs
Sporting injuries – Concussions are a regular occurrence in some sporting codes. Repeated concussions (or even just one very bad concussion) can result in brain damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis
Detecting a TBI can be a complex process, as every brain injury is different – this is what makes them so difficult to diagnose.
It may take several days or even weeks for any indication of an injury to appear, potentially delaying recovery.
Severe Brain Injuries Are Often Self-evident
From healing open wounds to managing cognitive impairment, treatment for a TBI can involve a range of medical procedures and rehabilitation.
In which case assessing the extent of the damage is essential. Even if your symptoms are mild, you should still get checked out by a doctor.
Diagnostic tests often include a neurological examination, brain imaging (such as an MRI or CAT) and evaluations by a physical therapist.
Physical therapy, medication and surgery can help minimise the impact of a TBI.
Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
Every TB needs a unique treatment plan. Initial treatment typically involves stabilising the injured person’s essential bodily functions, such as their blood pressure and breathing.
Once out of immediate danger, other forms of medical care can then be undertaken.
People with severe TBIs are usually placed into a medically induced coma
This can reduce the risk of a secondary injury by making the patient less agitated.
For less serious brain injuries (such as a mild concussion), restricting physical activities is the safest form of treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Time
Some brain injuries can be recovered from in a matter of weeks, while more severe cases may never fully heal.
Because no two brain injuries are the same, it’s impossible to put an accurate timeline on the recovery process.
Improvements can happen gradually
As the injured person slowly starts to show decreases in their disability.
Unfortunately, there is simply no way to predict the long-term outcomes of a brain injury.
Rehabilitation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
Some people need to relearn basic cognitive functions following a TBI, such as walking and talking.
Rehabilitation can be effective in speeding up this process.
Complete Recovery Isn’t Always Possible
The purpose of rehabilitation is to restore a person’s physical and mental aptitudes to the level they were prior to their injury.
It’s important to note that complete recovery isn’t always possible, however in some cases, even a catastrophic TBI can be improved with rehabilitation.
A combination of physical exercise and cognitive therapies are used to help the injured brain begin to heal.
Surgery For Traumatic Brain Injury
Surgical procedures are frequently used to treat TBI’s, especially those sustained through open-head injuries.
Surgery allows any damaged blood vessels and tissue to be repaired, lowering the risk of bleeding on the brain.
It can also be used to reduce swelling in the skull cavity, which can occur in serious TBIs.
Claiming Traumatic Brain Injury Compensation
If you have sustained a brain injury due to the negligent actions of a third party, you may qualify for damages.
Taking legal action can provide you with access to the financial support you need to recover.
Without having to worry about the cost of your medical bills and everyday expenses, you can focus more of your time and energy on rehabilitation.
Dealing with a TBI can be extremely challenging
Given the complex and often overwhelming nature of brain damage, dealing with a TBI can be extremely challenging.
You may no longer be able to perform everyday tasks independently, let alone earn an income and support yourself financially.
To get your life back on track as best you can, The Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you with claiming compensation. Contact us today for more information.
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