Friday, February 6, 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1approximately 2.2 million individuals in the United States were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in emergency rooms in 2010 alone. An additional estimated 280,000 people required hospitalization for their TBI and/or related injuries, and over 50,000 TBI victims died from their injuries. Even if a victim survives a TBI, the treatment for this type of injury can be extensive, lengthy, challenging, and costly. The following is some information regarding common treatments for TBI.
Treatment immediately after a suspected TBI
When you arrive at a hospital with a suspected TBI, medical staff will focus on stabilization. Depending on the severity of your state, this may include resuscitation techniques, monitoring of vital signs, and other trauma care. For different patients, trauma care may include respiratory therapy, psychological education and counseling about your injury, as well as social work assistance to your family if necessary.
Acute treatment
Acute treatment is focused on keeping a patient stabilized, reduced swelling or hemorrhaging, and keeping the pressure low in and around the brain. This includes constant measuring of intracranial pressure2 and often mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Medications will likely be administered to prevent seizures and for sedation to limit brain function as much as possible. Sometimes, patients may be placed in a medically-induced coma to reduce pressure and limit any secondary injuries. Medications may also be used to control agitation, increase concentration, and address other cognitive effects of a TBI.
Surgical treatment
Whether you require surgery depends on the nature of your TBI. Different surgical procedures may include:
· Draining blood or other fluid on the brain
· Repairing or removing damaged blood vessels or brain tissue
· Closing any wounds in open-head injuries
· Repairing skull fractures
· Insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor into the skull
Rehabilitative treatment
The goals of rehabilitative treatment are often to prevent any secondary injuries or complications and to help a patient overcome obstacles and symptoms. This includes restoring lost abilities and relearning how to perform basic, everyday activities such as talking, walking, using the bathroom, and more. Rehabilitative staff also often include psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and support for your family and caregivers. This treatment is aimed at helping you to cope and recover over the long-term from the effects of your traumatic brain injury, including regaining practical skills and movement abilities.
The expense of TBI treatment
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident due to the negligence of another party, you will likely require some type of medical treatment and may need long-term medical attention. Obviously, the cost of such medical care can be extensive and the bills can quickly add up and become overwhelming. In many situations, medical expenses can lead to other financial problems and even bankruptcy.
If someone else's negligence caused your traumatic brain injury, you should not have to suffer the financial consequences. Instead, Florida tort laws allow you to recover for your financial, physical, and emotional losses by filing a personal injury claim against the responsible party in court. Personal injury cases may often be complicated and involve several different legal issues, so you should always consult with an experienced brain injury attorney to discuss a possible case.
Contact an experienced Florida brain injury lawyer for a free consultation today
At the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, Florida, our team of attorneys has extensive experience handling brain injury cases and is committed to helping injured victims recover for their losses. Do not hesitate to call our office today at 727-451-6900 for a free consultation.
Dolman Law Group
800 N. Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 451-6900
800 N. Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 451-6900
References: