4 Types of Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a complication that can occur in many types of accidents. Falls and motor vehicle collisions are two common ways accident victims can receive a TBI.

TBIs are also known as concussions. Because the brain is a complex organ, treatment can be especially protracted, and in many cases, the severity of the injury will not initially make itself known. For this reason, it is critical that you seek out all available medical treatment and monitor your symptoms.

Some TBIs will only require simple treatment. For example, you may visit a doctor who recommends rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and symptom monitoring. While there may be some follow-up appointments, mild TBIs usually do not require long-term care. Those who sustain only mild injuries are the lucky ones.

For people with more severe traumatic brain injuries, there are several courses of treatment that are typically recommended by doctors. In this situation, you should be conservative with your care and adhere to the plan your doctor advises. This treatment plan may include:

• Emergency care. At this stage, doctors are concerned with the patient’s oxygen and blood supply, keeping up his or her blood pressure, and stopping any additional injury to the body.
• Medication. Depending on the situation, a doctor may prescribe a diuretic, an anti-seizure medication, or a coma-inducing drug.
• Surgery. Surgical options include removing blood clots in and around the brain, repairing skull fractures, stopping bleeding in the brain, and relieving pressure by opening up the skull through a small window.
• Rehabilitation. A moderate or severe TBI will typically require rehabilitative care. Rehabilitation may include visits with the following medical professionals: psychiatrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, and vocational counselors.

TBIs can be acquired in a variety of accidents, and they can vary wildly in severity. Medical treatment for TBIs can be extensive and can last for months or years. This medical treatment is expensive, and you (or your insurer) should not be required to pick up the bill if you were not at fault in the accident where the TBI was sustained.

Most of our personal injury clients do not pay us until they receive compensation for their injuries. If you have medical bills resulting from a brain injury that occurred because of someone’s negligence, you should contact the skilled Santa Clara County traumatic brain injury lawyers at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. Call our office at 408-289-1417 to schedule a free consultation.

• Traumatic brain injury