Recovering from a brain injury is a long process. Some people who experience a brain injury regain consciousness in just a few days while for others, it may take multiple weeks or months to make a full recovery. In severe cases, patients with severe brain injuries may remain in a state of impaired consciousness for years or the rest of their life. Every brain injury is different and it is hard to determine the recovery time without the help of a professional.
In the emergency room, a patient will first be examined by emergency room doctors who have much experience in dealing with concussions or other brain injuries. If the brain injury is more severe, a specialist in neurotrauma will be called in for a consult. Depending on the patient’s needs, the patient may be evaluated by a neurosurgeon, neurologist, or neuropsychologist. If there are suspicions of further injuries or complications, an MRI or CAT scan may be ordered for the patient.
Damages of a Brain Injury
The severity of the brain injury will determine the symptoms one may experience after a blow to the head. Typically, a mild brain injury is temporary. These brain injuries may cause headaches, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. If the patient follows his or her doctor’s professional advice, they should make a full recovery. In moderate brain injuries, symptoms can be a little more intense. The symptoms will most likely last longer and be more extreme. In both a mild and moderate brain injury case, the majority of patients make a full recovery. If you experience a severe brain injury, the recovery time will be lengthened and intense care will be needed. Severe brain injuries result in life-long care, debilitating problems, and life-changing circumstances. Most patients who suffer from a severe brain injury experience cognitive, physical, and behavioral disabilities. In extreme cases, some patients who experience a severe brain injury may be in a coma for years or need personal care around the clock.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury
It is important to be aware of a few of the symptoms of a brain injury after a fall or an accident. You may experience persistent headaches, weakness, tremors, seizures, sensitivity to light, and mental fatigue. There are two types of brain injuries: traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury. A traumatic brain injury comes from an external force like a blow to the head which will result in the brain shifting or skull damages. An acquired brain injury occurs at the cellular level. It is commonly associated with pressure on the brain. For example, one may experience an acquired brain injury if they have a brain tumor or a history of a stroke.
Causes of a Brian Injury
The main causes of traumatic brain injuries are car crashes, sport injuries, blows to the head, physical violence, or slip and falls. Males who are between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four are at high risk for traumatic brain injuries because of high risk behaviors. Acquired brain injuries are caused by heart attacks, tumors, infections, poisoning, abuse of drugs, or a neurological illness.
Traumatic and acquired brain injuries only occur after birth unlike congenital brain injuries, which are developed in the womb. This type of brain injury is discovered at birth as some of the most common types of congenital malformations are a cleft lip and palate.
Acquired brain injuries can be hard to determine without the use of an MRI or CAT scan. A few symptoms include impaired decision-making ability, memory loss, a lack of ability to understand certain concepts, difficulty processing information,and difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings. Both traumatic and acquired brain injuries can lead to an impaired perception. A few symptoms may include a change in vision or sense of touch, a lack of smell or taste, balance issues, and a heightened sensitivity to pain.
Damages and Treatment for a Brain Injury
Depending on the injury and symptoms, a patient may be prescribed medications to help alleviate recurring symptoms. These medications may include: anti-seizure drugs, diuretics, and coma-inducing drugs. In severe cases, brain surgery may be needed to minimize brain tissue damages or remove clotted blood, stop bleeding in the brain, open the skull, or repair skull fractures.
If you or a loved one experience a brain injury, it is important to call for help immediately. These injuries are no joke. Brain injuries can be life altering depending on the severity of the injury. Professionals will be able to locate the damage in the brain through the use of MRI’s and CAT scans to devise a plan for the patient. It is imperative that each patient follows the doctor’s commands to make a full and speedy recovery. Neuropsychological tests may also be used to determine the severity of the brain injury and discover what parts of the brain have been impaired. There are four kinds of treatment plans for patients who suffer brain injuries. They include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and psychological support.
If you watch someone take a blow to the head, you may be contacted for questioning as you are a witness. The information you provide to the expert will help determine the potential damage to the brain and severity of the injury. You may be asked the following: How and where did the injury occur? Did he or she lose consciousness? How long did she or he lose consciousness? Did you observe any changes in alertness and behavior? What hit the person’s head? Around what time did the accident occur?
The best hospitals for neurology and neuropsychology in Maryland Johns Hopkins Hospital and Mercy Medical Center-Baltimore, and University of Maryland Medical Center. There are also many traumatic brain injury centers in Maryland that can help patients recover from their accidents. Hope’s Horizon, The Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland, and Lifebridge Health are just a few of the many TBI center’s in the state that are willing to help you today.
Contact Our Experienced Brain Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one experience a brain injury, seek help today. Even if you believe that your injury is minor and can be treated at home, check in with your doctor to ensure that you are on the right track to make a full recovery. There are numerous sources that can help those who have suffered brain injuries. Writing things down, joining a support group, following a routine, taking breaks,altering expectations and tasks, and staying busy and focused may help those who suffer everyday.