Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

What Treatments Are Offered to Those Who Suffer From a Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a powerful blow to the head that causes damage to the brain. A TBI may occur from sports-related activities, falling down, or a motor vehicle accident. Typically, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be administered in order to determine how severely damaged the brain is.

Once a diagnosis has been determined, treatment plans will be provided to the patient. Each patient will be given different treatment options as each TBI case is unique. Temporary TBI, such as concussions, usually last for a few days or weeks. Permanent TBI, such as brain damage or a coma, can alter a person’s life forever. However,  procedures and therapy are available to enhance their lifestyle.

If you are suffering from a TBI due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to receive recoverable compensation. Our qualified brain injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will review your case to determine what essential steps are needed in order to get you a fair settlement offer.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

How to Treat a Traumatic Brain Injury

Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the injury.

• Mild. At-home remedies are available to use for individuals who are going through mild traumatic brain injury. This includes resting and taking pain relievers, such as Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol. It is important for the individual to be monitored by someone else to check on their symptoms in case they happen to worsen. It is also recommended for the individual to make a follow-up appointment with a doctor to make sure that their health is good. The doctor can determine whether or not your injury is being maintained appropriately or if you need additional treatments.
• Moderate to Severe. You must receive emergency care if you are experiencing moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries. You will be given enough oxygen and blood supply to control your blood pressure. Furthermore, the doctor(s) will try to reduce secondary damage caused by inflammation, lack of oxygen, or bleeding.

There are several types of medication to take to limit secondary damage to the brain after a brain injury. This includes:

• Coma-inducing drugs. In some circumstances, doctors will use this drug to put the individual into a temporary coma. A comatose brain needs to have less oxygen in order for it to properly function. This may also benefit blood vessels that are not able to supply brain cells with the appropriate amount of oxygen and nutrients.
• Diuretics. Helps lessen pressure inside the brain.
• Anti-seizure drugs. Individuals suffering from moderate or severe brain injuries have a high chance of experiencing seizures after the first week of the injury. Taking this drug will help them avoid any chances of getting brain damage that could be caused by a seizure. Consistent use of this drug may only be applicable if the individual is dealing with seizures occasionally.

Surgery 

You may need to undergo emergency surgery to reduce any damage done to your brain tissues. This includes:

• Blood clot removal. Bleeding is found either on the inside or outside of the brain. This can trigger blood clots. Blood clots could add pressure on the brain along with damaging the brain tissue. Surgery is needed to remove blood clots and repair the blood vessel in order to have the blood flow normally again.
• Decompression of the brain. Internal bleeding of the brain is caused by head injuries. Decompression of the brain will release pooled blood, repair any damaged blood vessels, and relieve pressure.
• Skull fracture surgery. A powerful impact to the head may result in a fractured skull. Surgery is needed to repair the damages or to remove any pieces of the skull that are in the brain.
• Window to the brain. This surgery is done to relieve pressure inside the skull. The doctor will drain cerebrospinal fluid or construct a window in the skull in order to have additional room for swollen tissues.

Rehabilitation

Individuals who endure a moderate or severe brain injury must go through rehabilitation. This will help them make improvements on their day-to-day activities. Generally, therapy will start in the hospital and will then transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Individuals will each receive different types and lengths of rehabilitation. It all depends on how severe their brain injury is. There are many types of rehabilitation specialists that are available to help with the recovery process. This includes:

• Physical therapist. They help the individual re-learn or improve on their movements. This involves their walking and overall balance.
• Occupational therapist. They will help the individual learn or improve on performing their day-to-day activities.
• Physiatrist. They will help the individual by managing the medical rehabilitation issues along with making prescriptions, if needed.
• Speech and language pathologist. They help the individual improve or enhance their communication skills.
• Rehabilitation nurse. They will offer rehabilitation care and services along with performing discharge planning from either the hospital or rehabilitation facility.
• Traumatic brain injury nurse specialist. Helps inform family members affected by brain injury about the injury itself along with the recovery process.
• Neuropsychologist. They will help the individual by managing their behaviors. Furthermore, they will demonstrate how the individual can implement coping strategies into their lifestyle. They may also offer psychotherapy for those who are dealing with emotional or psychological issues.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one were the victim of brain injury due to negligent acts committed by another individual, our skilled brain injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation at our firm. No fees are paid until your case has been settled. Reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.