Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the general term that refers to brain damage a person suffers from a sudden physical force or impact.  TBIs occur when the head hits an object in an accident or because of severe shaking.  Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1.4 million TBIs occur in the United States annually.  Of those 1.4 million injuries, approximately 50,000 people die and 235,000 are hospitalized.  The remaining TBI victims are typically treated in emergency rooms and released. 

Traumatic Brain Injury Causes

According to the CDC, nearly half of all TBIs occur in falls and automobile/traffic accidents.  Other leading causes include striking accidents, which include colliding with a moving or stationary object, and assaults.

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosing and treating TBIs can be difficult because the symptoms frequently fail to appear until several days or weeks after the injury.  Additionally, people often appear to be physically fine even though they might feel or act differently.  As a result, many TBIs go unreported and untreated.  Symptoms of TBIs vary widely from mild to severe and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Headache or neck pain that persists
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Blurred vision or tired eyes
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Feeling tired, listless, or unmotivated all of the time
• Inexplicable mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

Recognizing TBIs in children can be particularly difficult because it can be hard for them to let their parents know how they feel.  If you are a parent and your child has suffered a blow or impact to the head and you notice a change in his or her behavior, mood, performance at school, or if he or she appears physically unwell, it is important to seek medical treatment for the child as soon as possible. 

Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Although it is often too late to reverse or repair brain damage, it is important that those suffering from moderate to severe TBIs obtain medical treatment to prevent further damage.  Treatment requires the involvement of numerous medical professionals, including the following:

• Neurologists, or doctors who specialize in treating the nervous system.  They help TBI patients by evaluating and diagnosing the patient and are involved throughout treatment
• Physiatrists, or doctors who specialize in physical and rehabilitation medicine
• Neuropsychologists, a type of psychologist that evaluates brain functions.  These tests are required to determine the severity and extent of TBIs.  Although these tests are necessary to perform, Medicaid does not cover them.
• Occupational therapists assist TBI victims with regaining motor activities and the ability to perform basic daily activities
• Physical therapists specialize in restoring motor functions, strengthening muscles and balance, and restoring coordination
• Speech pathologists evaluate and assist patients with speech, reading, writing, and general expression skills
• Cognitive therapists re-teach patients how to learn and remember ideas, often using computer technology.  Medicaid typically does not cover this kind of treatment
• Educational therapists teach patients the skills that will help them return to school or work

Emotional Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many of the most devastating aspects of TBIs are those injuries that remain unseen and do not cause physical injury to the patient.  Many TBIs cause cellular and neurological damage that can have significant emotional affects on patients who suffer TBIs.  These emotional injuries include depression, personality change, and mood shift, and are difficult to diagnose because they may be subtle and have no outward physical signs.  Treatment of the emotional affects of TBIs often requires a collaboration between several of the medical professionals listed above.

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

Cases involving TBIs are expensive, time-consuming, and complex.  Experts are typically required and cases often hinge on intricate facts and points of law.  If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who has the skill, dedication, and expertise to try traumatic brain injuries in court.  At the Ruth E. Bernstein Law Firm, Ms. Bernstein possesses nearly 20 years of experience representing injured plaintiffs, and she focuses much of her time on helping traumatic brain injury victims.  To schedule a consultation, contact us today.