Most people understand that a traumatic brain injury is one of the most devastating injuries that someone can sustain. Not only does this pose significant problems in the immediate aftermath, but it also can have long-term complications that can last the rest of the patient’s life.

Some of these complications can even be life-threatening if inflammation occurs following the injury. Inflammation develops with any injury and is a way for the body to mobilize cells to fight infection and repair an injury. The brain is no different.

When the brain has been injured, and patients show symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, the body sends immune cells to the area. This influx of fluid causes the brain to swell. The brain is enclosed in the skull, a finite space. If the brain swells too much, it runs the risk of herniation. If the brain herniates, portions of the brain could slide over skull structures or be squeezed through holes in the bony capsule. This could lead to devastating consequences, permanent comorbidities, or even death.

Common medications used to treat traumatic brain injuries include pain and blood pressure medications; however, new research is being developed regarding novel treatment options. One example comes from Santa Barbara. A physician-CEO of Inflammatory Response Research, Inc., is testing a two-drug therapy that could significantly reduce the inflammatory response in the brain following an injury. Levocetirizine and Montelukast have been used to treat various inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, in the past. Now, these two drugs have demonstrated the potential to reduce inflammation in the brain following an injury. While the potential treatment is still under research, it has already shown exciting promise.

Watch the following video to learn more about how traumatic brain injuries are treated with new technology and treatments.

Patients who suffer a brain injury due to someone’s actions (or inaction) have a legal right to seek damages for their injury. Examples of possible damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Numerous expenses accompany a traumatic brain injury. Examples include the cost of surgical procedures, the cost of medications, and the fees associated with doctors’ visits.
• Future Expenses: Brain injuries are unique because many complications may last for life. Patients could require costly visits to physical therapy or a home health nurse, which gets expensive quickly.
• Lost Wages: Someone injured and cannot work will face the prospect of lost wages, both present and future. Damages can be sought for this aspect.

A legal professional can help patients seek those damages; however, time may be short for filing a claim. It is better to start the process early.

New research has been released regarding diagnosing and treating brain injuries; however, these are still severe medical problems. We encourage patients with brain injuries and their loved ones to contact our injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free advice.

We are members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

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^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.8.23] dr bw [cs 545] Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay}