Recognizing a Traumatic Brain Injury
Untreated Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Morristown NJ
Morris and Sussex County Personal Injury Lawyer serving clients suffering from TBI’s with offices in Morristown and Newton, NJ
Despite all of our modern advances in medicine, the brain remains mysterious and often a misunderstood organ. The effects of damage to this vital and delicate organ can vary from person to person greatly. TBI, a traumatic brain injury, is always a severe condition that can have life-altering consequences. However, due to how complex the brain is, persons who suffer traumatic brain injuries may not realize the extent of the damage right away. This effect can cause the condition and symptoms to go unrecognized and untreated.
Traumatic brain injuries can result when a person sustains a forceful blow to the head or a strong whiplash effect. Contrary to popular belief, it may not always come with the loss of consciousness. TBI can result from many reasons including motor vehicle accidents, as a result of a slip and fall, because of a sports injury or many other reasons.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Though not every concussion results in a traumatic brain injury, the following symptoms may be an indication of severe damage if they persist:
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to sound and light
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Processing delays
- Depression
- Changes in behavior and emotional imbalance
Early Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury Can Save Lives
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is critical to seek medical care immediately if you have any signs of a severe head injury. Emergency care for moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries usually focuses on making sure the person has sufficient oxygen and adequate blood supply, maintaining blood pressure, and preventing any further harm to the head or neck area.
People who have suffered severe brain injuries may also have other injuries that need to be addressed. Further treatments in the emergency room or intensive care unit of a hospital should focus on minimizing secondary damage due to inflammation, bleeding or reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
Assessing a Head Injury to Determine a Person’s Condition
To render adequate medical care, healthcare immediately after an injury, several crucial questions will need to be answered to aid in assessing the injured person’s condition. These will include:
- How did the damage occur?
- Did the person lose consciousness?
- How long was the person unconscious?
- Did you observe any other changes in alertness, speaking, coordination or other signs of injury?
- Where was the head or other parts of the body struck?
- Information about the force of the injury. Such as, what hit the person’s head, how far did he or she fall, or was the person thrown from a vehicle?
- Was the person’s body whipped around or severely jarred?
Examination Methods to Identify Brain Injuries
Any comprehensive examination of possible brain damage should include imaging tests such as a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A CT scan can quickly visualize fractures and uncover evidence of bleeding in the brain, blood clots, bruised brain tissue, as well as brain tissue swelling; while an MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create a detailed view of the brain and reveal any hidden damage.
Left untreated, any of the symptoms mentioned above can lead to life-long disability and even death. Thus early detection and diagnosis is a must.
Brain Injury Prevention Methods
Preventative measures are also advisable such as wearing your seat-belt when riding in the car, and wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. For those participating in sporting activities, it is also essential to wear and use the appropriate protective gear. However, preventative measures are by no means a guarantee of safety as many TBI are caused by slips and falls and other unforeseen and utterly unpredictable event.
Contact a Newton Injury Lawyer Today to Protect Your Rights
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a brain injury that has not been diagnosed it is of the utmost importance that you seek medical care as soon as possible. The next step should be to contact a qualified accident and injury lawyer to assess your situation and provide counsel regarding your rights and help guide you on how to proceed.
At The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have four decades of legal experience helping the victims of catastrophic injuries in local Morris County and Sussex County towns such as Dover, Netcong, East Hanover, Mt. Olive, and Roxbury. For a free and confidential consultation regarding your accident, your resulting brain injury, and your potential for compensation through a personal injury claim, please give us a call through our Newton office or through our Morristown office today.
