Hard to predict and even more challenging to treat, head and brain injuries could leave individuals with long-term impacts. These impacts could harm the quality of life for individuals, their families, and their friends.

It is helpful for individuals and their loved ones to take steps to prevent traumatic brain injuries. To do this effectively, it is vital to understand a few of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

A traumatic brain injury can occur at any time. Some of the most common causes of TBIs include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: When someone is involved in a car collision, the rapid changes in direction and momentum can cause them to strike their head. In addition to blunt trauma, penetrating head injuries can occur in a road traffic accident, causing a severe TBI.
• Slip and Fall Injuries: While fall accidents may appear minor, some slip and fall injuries can actually lead to a traumatic brain injury. A wet floor or icy sidewalk causes someone to slip and strike their head on the ground, and this blunt trauma can lead to a severe head injury.
• Contact Sports: A concussion is only one type of brain injury suffered in contact sports. Any contact sport could place an individual at risk of suffering neurological damage.

If a loved one is involved in a severe accident, one must understand some of the most common signs of a brain injury.

A traumatic brain injury can present in more than one way. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a head injury include the following:

• Severe, recurrent, or chronic headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty tolerating loud noises of bright lights
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Disoriented and not able to state their name, place, time, or purpose
• Trouble remembering old memories or forming new ones
• Emotional lability with rapid mood swings from euphoria to sadness and anger

Ultimately, anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care quickly. They may have suffered a severe head injury and require emergent medical attention. This could include rapid imaging scans such as a CT or MRI to look for a brain bleed, swelling, or other signs of neurological damage.

The treatment process can start once an individual has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. There are several different ways that a medical professional may want to treat a head injury, and some of these include the following:

• Medications: Medications will be used to control the pain and manage the head injury. Many medicines will control brain swelling and keep the intracranial pressure within a safe range.
• Emergency Surgery: Some individuals could require surgery to relieve swelling inside the brain. Surgery is typically performed to prevent the brain from herniating, which might result in death.
• Therapy: Specialized therapists might be called after the individual has been stabilized. These professionals can help the patient regain lost motor or sensory functions.

After the treatment process has begun, it will be necessary for the individual and their family to follow up with medical providers once leaving the hospital. The prognosis of a traumatic brain injury will vary depending on the severity of the neurological damage.

The video below discusses new treatments and technology for TBI patients. 

When a loved one has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, the feeling of uncertainty can create significant stress. Speaking with an experienced brain injury lawyer in Cameron Park is helpful. Some of the ways that a compassionate attorney can help include:

• Review of the Records: A trained lawyer has the experience necessary to look at the medical records, the records of the accident, and any other documents. An experienced attorney can ensure that every detail has been considered appropriately by going through this paperwork.
• Damages: These accidents can leave individuals with high medical costs, property damage, and even pain and suffering. A caring Cameron Park personal injury lawyer can help families pursue damages related to the accident, assisting in their recovery.
• Court Cases: In some situations, the case may need to be moved from the negotiation table to the courtroom. Should a lawsuit go to trial, a trained legal professional can guide a family through this process.

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please contact our experienced Cameron Park brain injury lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.