A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often a devastating and life changing injury. TBI can occur in any number of ways including motor vehicle accidents, falls and any other circumstance causing trauma to the brain. Direct trauma to the head is not required to cause a TBI as the forces involved in a rapid acceleration/deceleration can also cause the injury.
Outward signs of injury to the head such as bruising or in the case of severe trauma skull fracture may be present. Oftentimes, outward sign of injury is small and the patient may not recall striking their head at all.
Doctors use a variety of measures to determine whether a person has suffered a TBI. Did the person suffer the loss of consciousness? The loss of consciousness suggests a brain injury and was viewed as a necessary element to a TBI diagnosis. Some neurologists believe that a feeling of being dazed or altered consciousness is enough to suggest TBI. Either way it is one of the first things a doctor typically asks when taking a history after trauma.
Another measure of brain function is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This tests a persons level of consciousness. Are they awake? Able to interact? Responsive to input, pain? A normal GCS scale after trauma often suggests a strong recovery or a mild TBI whereas the lower GCS score often suggests moderate to severe brain injury. A lower score portends a poor outcome.
Diagnostic tests such as CT scan or MRI may also be used to assess TBI. Unfortunately a patient can suffer a TBI but have normal scans. The types of abnormalities reflected on MRI or CT include leaking of blood which can cause the brain to shift and impact intracranial pressure. The involvement of a neurosurgeon may be necessary to drain blood and relieve the pressure or stop the source of the bleed.
Even a mild TBI can result in long term disability and requires evaluation and management. Seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer if you have suffered a TBI and face the long road of medical recovery and a legal claim.
No comments:
Post a Comment