The next step is imaging if the doctor is still concerned that a traumatic brain injury might have occurred. There are many different ways that doctors can take a picture of someone’s head. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses. These imaging modalities include:

• X-ray – An X-ray is the oldest way to image someone’s body. It is fast, cheap, and differentiates parts of the body through density. The amount of radiation in an x-ray is meager. Unfortunately, it only produces a two-dimensional image and is not very helpful if someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury. It can show a skull fracture, often when someone suffers a severe blow to the head.
• CT Scan – A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a three-dimensional x-ray. It takes several seconds to produce a 3D image of the head. It is fast and relatively inexpensive; however, it does deliver a hefty dose of radiation. Therefore, a CT scan is not ordered lightly. A CT scan also differentiates images based on density. It is excellent at showing bleeds in the brain. It can also show skull fractures. Unfortunately, its resolution is not excellent for looking at the brain’s soft tissue.
• MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most detailed imaging modality available. Individuals are placed in a powerful magnetic field. This magnet spins the nuclei inside each atom in the body differently depending on its charge. Then, the machine senses the way that the atoms are spinning. It uses the difference in spins to produce an image, which is remarkable in its level of clarity. This is ideal for looking at the severity of the damage inside the brain; however, it also takes a long time to produce its image. Therefore, this image is rarely used on an emergency basis. Once a TBI has been diagnosed, the next step is to start the treatment process.

The initial treatment of any traumatic brain injury focuses on ensuring the patient is stable. The doctor will look at the individual’s vital signs, which include the following:

• Heart Rate
• Blood Pressure
• Respiratory Rate
• Temperature
• Oxygen Saturation

Often, individuals are dehydrated after a severe accident. The doctor may give the individual intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, antibiotics, or a blood transfusion. Once the individual’s vital signs have been stabilized, the focus will be on managing the intracranial pressure inside the skull. To do this, it is necessary to measure cerebral perfusion pressure.

Often abbreviated as CPP, cerebral perfusion pressure is the blood pressure measurement inside the brain. Like water, blood flows from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. This flow is essential to the survival of brain tissue because the blood carries oxygen and nutrients. If the pressure drops too low, the blood could stop circulating. If the pressure is too high, the brain starts to swell. The cerebral pressure can be calculated as the difference between the mean arterial pressure (the average of the various pressures inside the individual’s arteries) and the intracranial pressure (the pressure inside the skull). Therefore, the mathematical equation is:

• CPP = MAP – ICP

This difference between the ICP and the MAP keeps the blood flowing throughout the brain. If the mean arterial pressure starts to drop, as in cases of blood loss, the blood flow rate within the brain will begin to decline. On the other hand, if the intracranial pressure rises, this can lead to a drop in the CPP, leading to similar consequences.

Elevated pressure inside the skull is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This happens following a traumatic brain injury because the brain swells inside a closed space (the skull). The brain swells after a severe impact because it responds to injury like any other body part. This swelling comes from the fluid being rushed to the injury site to start the healing process. Unfortunately, swelling inside of the brain can also be deadly. To reduce the pressure inside the skull, doctors will use different treatment options for intracranial pressure. This includes:

• Mannitol, a drug used to lower intracranial pressure
• Hyperventilation, which decreases the amount of CO2 in the blood, lowering the ICP)
• Steroids, which are used to reduce swelling

If the intracranial pressure rises, this could lead to several serious complications. Some of these complications from intracranial pressure could be life-threatening.

The immediate treatment of a traumatic brain injury will focus on stabilizing the individual. The oxygen saturation of the blood needs to be maintained. The pressures inside the skull need to be managed. All bleeding must be stopped. Dehydration must be corrected. After this, the recovery process can begin; however, complications also manifest. Some of these include:

This is perhaps the most devastating potential complication of any traumatic brain injury. Doctors try to avoid this by closely monitoring the individual’s intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures. The brain is trapped inside the skull. If it swells inside of a closed space, the brain could herniate. This means that some of the brain tissue is forced through one of the holes in the skull, effectively killing it. Severe herniations could also lead to death.

Mental health complications are often overlooked but are no less severe. When brain parts have been damaged, the person could suffer extreme personality changes. These could manifest as:

• Reduced judgment
• Lack of inhibition
• Temper tantrums and outbursts
• Psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions
• Depression or bipolar disorder

Because of this, anyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury should be sure to meet with a mental health counselor or psychiatrist. Mental health issues should be addressed early.

Possibly the most well-known complications of traumatic brain injuries involve motor and sensory changes. The brain sends motor signals to the rest of the body. It also receives sensory signals from every cell. If the brain has been damaged, it might not send motor signals accurately, leading to issues moving the arms or legs.

Ultimately, these complications can be devastating for the entire family. These complications could last for the rest of the individual’s life. Families need to know that help is available. In addition to medical providers, other resources are available to assist families in need.

Those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury often focus on their medical recovery. They might not be thinking about the ancillary issues that might arise, such as the cost related to their immediate and long-term medical care. Unfortunately, this burden often falls on loved ones and can have a devastating impact on the quality of life of the entire family. This can bring financial ruin to even the most well-off families. Therefore, contacting the best San Francisco traumatic brain injury lawyer is essential. An experienced head injury attorney can help a family by:

• Providing resources that help a person find an excellent neurologist, neuropsychologist, or other physicians with experience in traumatic brain injuries.
• Going through all of the available reports on the accident, ensuring no details have been missed.
• Working with engineers and accident experts to reconstruct what has happened at the scene and ensure that liability has been assigned appropriately.
• Providing a steady presence to guide families through the decision-making process.
• Help families earn financial awards to help cover the costs related to their injuries and damages.
• Have your traumatic brain injury attorney file paperwork with the courts and take your case to trial in San Francisco County, if necessary.

No family should feel like they have to deal with the consequences of a TBI alone. Everyone needs help during their time of need. Because of this, reach out to an experienced and compassionate brain injury attorney from the San Francisco Bay Area. You and your family could be deserving of financial compensation.

The video below features a woman who had experienced a traumatic brain injury. She shares her story along with her message of hope and inspiration.

At AutoAccident.com, our traumatic brain injury lawyers serving the San Francisco Bay Area can help you seek maximum compensation for your losses. Contact our team of compassionate and skilled SF accident attorneys today for free, friendly advice on your TBI case at (415) 805-7284 or (800) 404-5400.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 10.19.23] Image: By “sbtlneet” via Pixabay dr cha EAS bw [cs 2617]}

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