Each traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unique. Survivors experience varying secondary effects based on the TBI’s severity and location. Learning what to expect after incurring a TBI will help you and your caregivers prepare for the road ahead. Knowing the possible outcomes will help in starting a safe, effective recovery plan. Understanding what happens during acute hospital admissions in Washington will prepare a caregiver.
Understand traumatic brain injury
This is any damage that injures the brain. The injury may arise from an external force, such as a blow, bump or jolt striking your neck or head. Motor vehicle accidents and falls are some of its common causes.
Symptoms vary in intensity and duration, ranging from mild to severe. They might also be either temporary or persistent. If you sustain traumatic brain injuries due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation.
Brain imaging and brain function scans
Different TBI treatment methods are used depending on the severity of the injury. Conducting early brain imaging and brain function scans helps doctors determine your proper treatment regimen. The most common TBI recovery method is managing the symptoms of underlying injuries. With mild TBIs, no treatment is necessary apart from resting and monitoring for worsening symptoms. However, moderate and severe TBIs require immediate medical treatment to minimize secondary damages.
Seek legal advice
After seeking medical attention, you should undergo baseline testing. This is more important if you’re involved in legal proceedings. Before starting the legal process, the victim should:
- Be seen and evaluated by a primary care physician
- Visit a neurologist who has a deeper understanding of TBIs and concussions
- Undergo assessment by a forensic or general neuropsychologist depending on the legal considerations
If the injury is not the result of an accident, you have to take legal action. Hence, a test and report from a neuropsychological test will be enough.
Allow full recovery from injuries before resuming risky activities to prevent subsequent concussions. Complete recovery means symptom-free in all activities, including work, academics, leisure and sports.