Every Degree of Brain Injury Needs Medical Attention

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports1 that nearly 50,000 people die each year as a result of brain injuries. In addition to nearly 50,000 deaths, over one million Americans visit doctors every year due to brain injury. Finally, more than 5 million Americans--that is approximately 2 percent of the population--live with disabilities caused by brain injury.2 Brain injuries are dangerous and should always require medical attention.

Symptoms of brain injuries may range from mild to severe. Minor injuries can result in no symptoms at all. Sometimes, symptoms of brain injury start off as mild but worsen over time. For example, a simple headache may persist, vision may worsen, or it may become difficult to maintain concentration following a head injury. In any case, individuals who suffer a brain injury, even what seems to be relatively minor injury, should always seek medical attention.

Concussions can be Serious

Concussions are some of the most common forms of brain injury. A concussion occurs whenever the brain moves inside the skull and strikes the inside of the skull. The degree of impact can affect the seriousness of the concussion. Although concussions tend to be only temporary and reversible, their impact can have lasting consequences if not treated.

Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury and the brain has suffered some type of trauma. TBI may be the result of an injury to the skull, bruising of the brain tissue, or damage to the many blood vessels and nerves that make up the brain. These injuries can have a lasting impact on both basic and complex cognitive and motor functions. For example, an individual suffering from TBI may lose consciousness, have his or her vision negatively affected, or even have complications with short-term or long-term memory. All of these complications may be permanent and impact an individual's ability to carry out basic everyday functions.

Medical attention is critical in defending against the lasting complications caused by traumatic brain injury. Timely medical attention may even save a life. A medical professional examining a brain injury must first conclude whether or not the injury threatens the victim's life. Immediate medical attention and a thorough medical examination help the medical professional determine the extent of the brain injury, as well as potential complications that may occur as a result. It also allows the medical professional to determine the best treatment under the circumstances.

Traumatic brain injury can cause serious physical and cognitive complications, even with extensive treatment. The treatment of and adjustment to these complications can result in financial and emotional hardship for the victim and his or her family. A victim may incur substantial medical expenses and he or she may be unable to continue working or even enjoy much-loved hobbies. Family members may also be affected emotionally and financially.

Traumatic brain injury is a tragic and potentially dangerous injury. It is important to seek medical attention whenever brain injury may have occurred. A victim may be entitled to compensation whenever his or her brain injury is caused by another's negligence, including car accidents and medical malpractice.

Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA if you or someone you know has suffered complications as a result of a brain injury. The experienced personal injury attorneys of Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA will help you recover the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation by calling 727-451-6900 today.

1https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/rates.html

2 Brain Trauma, Concussion, and Coma