In Part I of this two part blog series, we began our discussion of living with a brain injury by exploring the inner workings of the brain, the nature of brain injuries and their causes. We then addressed some symptoms that a brain injury sufferer could experience. Now, we continue our look at living with a brain injury, turning to diagnosis of the brain injury and treatment, including long term management.
Diagnosing a Mild Brain Injury
With a mild brain injury, there is generally less trauma than you would experience with a more serious injury. Accordingly, it will generally take more testing and assessment to determine whether a person has suffered a brain injury. Doctors will typically use CT scans, MRIs or other imaging technologies to obtain a closer look at the inner workings of the brain. Additional assessments will be completed by a neurologist or neuropsychologist. The patient will undergo an examination of his or her cognitive functions and sensory-motor processes.
With all the necessary diagnostic information gathered, the physician will develop a treatment plan. Some people with mild brain injuries will not require hospitalization, but they will experience slower cognitive and possibly physical abilities.
Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury
A severe brain injury can be more evident and you should immediately call 911 if you observe the following symptoms:
- Pupils that are not of equal size or dilated
- Blurred vision, blindness or lack of eye movement
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Mental confusion
- Watery liquid coming from ears or nose
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Treating Brain Injuries
Brain injury treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. For severe injuries, the victim will be admitted to the ICU at the hospital. The patient may likely be placed on the following: ventilators, IV fluids, ICPs (intracranial pressure monitors), pulse oximeters, catheters and NGs (nasogastric tubes).
Rehabilitation will be essential to the recovery of any traumatic brain injury sufferer. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore as much functionality as possible. This could include relearning basic functions such as eating, walking and talking. If certain functions cannot be regained, the goal will be to assist the patient in compensating for their loss of function in new ways that they can perform.
Rehabilitation can be a lengthy process and might require prolonged treatment in a hospital or rehabilitation facility. Home care will continue for some time afterwards and could require a home health professional, as well as continuing physician visits. Long term effects will vary, being widely dependent upon the extent of the injury as well as the response to treatment. Given the profound impact of a traumatic brain injury and the extensive treatment period, it will be vital for brain injury sufferers to retain the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight to see that they obtain the full compensation they deserve.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Seeking a Full Recovery for the Sufferers of Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you have sustained a brain injury in any sort of accident involving negligence, the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.