Suffering a traumatic brain injury – also known as a TBI – means that the individual has suffered significant damage to their brain, which has resulted in long-lasting symptoms and disabilities. While some rehabilitative programs and treatments can help to improve the quality of life enjoyed by sufferers, most victims will find their lives permanently altered by the condition. Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorney are ready to help you if you faced traumatic brain injury.

What Are Common Causes of TBI’s?

In most cases, a brain injury is caused by a severe blow to the head, causing damage to the skull and brain underneath. This can happen in a variety of situations, including:

  • As part of an assault or attack, including domestic violence and child abuse
  • While playing or watching sports
  • As part of a car accident, whether as a passenger, driver, cyclist, or pedestrian
  • Due to a workplace injury
  • As a result of a loud noise or explosive blast

Are There Any Treatments?

In most cases, the damage done to the brain will be permanent, largely due to the destruction of or damage to the delicate neural pathways which help our brain to function correctly. If the brain collides with the inside of the skull during a collision or blow, it may become bruised. The nerve fibers can also come away and tear, resulting in bleeding. In addition, any fracturing to the skull can allow broken pieces of bone to penetrate the brain tissue.

While brain injuries cannot usually be reversed or cured, there are treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and restore quality of life to victims.

Surgery

Surgery may be required to save the life of the victim or to reduce damage. One typical example includes removing hematomas; these are spots of internal bleeding that allow clotted blood to pool in the brain, increasing the pressure on the brain tissue. Removing the hematoma enables pressure to be reduced, which, in turn, helps prevent any further damage. Surgeons may also create an opening in the skull to relieve pressure.

In addition, any fractures to the skull must be repaired – they risk pressing into the brain and causing further damage.

Rehabilitation

Victims may be able to access rehabilitation schemes designed to target their particular areas of injury. With specialist help and assistance, sufferers may learn to walk and talk, allowing them to resume a more independent life. Depending on the nature of the injury, they may also have access to emotional support and therapy – this can be useful in learning to handle mood swings, anger issues, and communication problems, which can be common side effects from an injury.

Medication

Medication can also be used to alleviate the symptoms and suffering of some victims. Pain relief is the most common option, followed by anti-seizure medicines – these can help to reduce the risk of developing an epilepsy disorder or suffering seizures, which risk can cause further damage to the brain. In some cases, victims may be placed into an induced coma to help aid recovery.