Brain surgeries are increasingly common around the country, totaling at about 2.5M every year. As a personal injury lawyer in the Greater Fall River, MA, I’ve noticed that the four primary causes of traumatic brain injuries are:
- Falls (28%)
- Motor accidents (20%)
- Blunt strike (19%)
- And assaults (11%).
Nearly twice as many males as women have traumatic brain injuries. The highest risk groups tend to be of ages 0 to 4, then ages 15 to 19, with the ages 75 and older have the highest rates of injuries from head concussions. 75% of all traumatic brain injuries are mild concussions.
HOW YOUR BRAIN CAN GET INJURED
The brain is protected by the skull and membranes which provide strong cover. Even then the brain can still get hurt. Concussions are considered mild forms of brain injury and most people recover rather quickly. However severe concussions can render one unconscious for an extended period. Some people wind up in comas or pass out from such types of closed head injuries.
If you’ve been the victim of any type of brain injury, the team at Sabra & Aspden provides excellent legal advice for the damage whether mild to the very severe.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion often occurs when a blow to one side of the brain throws the brain away in the other direction damaging the brain on both sides. Depending on the intensity of the impact the injuries and the symptoms could be mild or severe. A hit is considered a concussion when it has a significant effect on the cerebral function.
Concussions are the most common type of brain trauma and often heal without any lasting impact. Unfortunately, sometimes they can result in more severe injuries, causing permanent brain damage. All concussions have to be examined through brain scans by a certified medic.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’VE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION?
Several signs and signals could be considered effects of head concussions. If you had a blow to the head and you experience loss of consciousness, don’t remember the blow to the head, or suffer dizziness, blurry vision, and/or a headache, then chances are you’ve suffered a concussion.
Sometimes a victim might experience nausea and vomiting, unclear thinking processes (confusion), or they may repeat phrases (for example asking, “What happened?” many times). Most often the sufferer may experience one or more of these symptoms at the same time.
In the event that you experience any of these symptoms after a head injury then seek both legal/medical advice.
DIAGNOSING BRAIN INJURIES
From the moment one arrives at the hospital with the above symptoms the doctor will start by getting their history, then conducting a physical exam. They will test brain functions like concentration, memory, consciousness, coordination and problem-solving behaviors. They might also test your speech, vision, and balance. They might also have to interview close family and friends to figure out if they have noticed any changes to the patient’s behaviors. An MRI or a CT scan will be the next steps in the diagnosis. This is conducted to ascertain the extent of the trauma to the brain.
HEALING AND RECOVERY AFTER A CONCUSSION
There are a number of things that a patient can do to speed up recovery after a concussion. This, of course, depends on the extent of the injury. First, you need a lot of rest and relaxation. Secondly, avoid physically demanding activities and sports such as boxing, football, and judo. Lastly, in case you have to undergo treatment, only use the medication that is approved by a qualified physician.
Remember that you can be compensated depending on the cause of the injury. Our legal team can help you process your personal injury settlements hassle free.
