Any type of brain injury is serious, but a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is especially severe. Also known as an intracranial injury, TBI occurs when a sudden, external force such as a car accident damages the brain and its related physical structures. TBI as a result of motorcycle and car accidents is a leading cause of death and physical disability, but the potential for mental and emotional disability is even greater. Many people who experience TBI live for days or weeks before succumbing to the fatal nature of their injury, and in many cases, this occurs because the proper care was not delivered in the first critical hours after the accident.
Initial and Acute Treatment for TBI
It’s critical for head injury patients to receive medical treatment and a comprehensive diagnosis immediately after an accident occurs. Early evaluation allows for the identification and treatment of any condition that could potentially worsen or become life threatening. This may include spinal cord damage and swelling in the brain and nerve issues. The trauma team stabilizes the patient and the acute phase of treatment focuses on minimizing the risk of secondary injury and, if applicable, life support protocols. Medication may play a critical role in this phase of treatment for applications such as induced comas and seizure prevention.
Surgical Treatments for Head Injury
For many TBI sufferers, surgery is required to stabilize the patient. In most cases, surgery is not effective for repairing or improving the brain injury. Instead, surgical procedures may be used to stop intracranial bleeding or critical swelling in the brain. If the patient has suffered an open head injury, surgery may be required to repair the skull and scalp. The goal of surgical intervention is to preserve blood flow to the brain and minimize pressure, which in turn helps prevent secondary injury.
TBI and Head Injury Rehabilitation
Once the patient has been stabilized, little benefit results from remaining in a trauma care facility or hospital. Consequently, transfer to a rehabilitation facility is common. The rehab care team will monitor the patient’s condition to ensure that complications do not develop and, when possible, will help him or her regain function. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may have to relearn how to walk, talk or dress themselves. If cognitive damage exists, they may need to relearn to think. This period can be devastating to the patient’s family, as they watch their loved one struggle to regain their independence. In many TBI cases, the patient is permanently disabled, requiring constant care for the rest of their lives.
The attorneys of Montgomery Law help Boise accident victims and their families get their lives back. Traumatic brain injury can be devastating to a family. If negligence or a careless driver was to blame, contact Montgomery Law today to discuss your case. The caring professionals of Montgomery Dowdle will fight for your rights in spinal cord and brain injury cases.