Traumatic Brain Injury News - Brain Injury FAQs!

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The Traumatic Brain Injury Newsletter is an important resource that explains many aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI): its causes, effects, symptoms, available treatments, etc. It is intended for individuals who have suffered or know someone who has suffered from traumatic brain injury and wish to learn more.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) FAQ's

Brain Injury

How frequently does Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, occur?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during 1990, there were roughly 2 million cases of traumatic brain injury. Of these, approximately 51,000 resulted in death. Data sources include vital registration data, hospital records, trauma registries, and personal interview surveys. Approximately three-quarters of TBI survivors are diagnosed as having suffered a mild to moderate injury --- injuries that can be persistent and can affect many areas of learning and functioning.

How is Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Detected?

Traumatic brain injury is detected through neuropsychological tests that are administered by trained neuropsychologists. In addition, PET scans, SPECT scans and functional MRIs can provide important information and clues about the degree and extent of injuries suffered by the brain.

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What areas can Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, effect?

Depending of how severe the injury to the brain, TBI accidents can affect balance, behavior, cognitive skills, the functioning of the musculoskeleton, seizures, sensory perceptions, and speech/language.

What steps can improve the chances of survival for severe head injury patients?

Quickly recognizing and treating the injury in the ambulance
Rapid transport directly to a major trauma center
Hospital monitoring of the brain pressure
Prompt treatment to make sure that the brain receives adequate oxygen and blood

Is Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, always diagnosed properly?

Unfortunately, some TBI cases are difficult to detect. Even if a CT scan shows proper functioning of the brain, there can be brain damage. In fact, brain damage is possible even without a loss of consciousness. Headaches and mood swings are both symptoms that can come from a closed head injury. One of the worst scenarios occurs when symptoms don’t occur for some time after the brain injury incident. Any time someone has new symptoms following an accident, it's a good idea to go back to the doctor to evaluate the cause and recommend treatment. Often times, a physician will recommend that a patient visit a psychologist or psychiatrist for further treatment.

How is ‘concussion’ defined?

The American Academy of Neurology defines concussion as any alternation in consciousness. It can be indicated by the following outward signs:

Vacant stare
Delayed verbal and motor responses
Confusion and inability to focus attention
Disorientation in functioning or knowledge of surroundings
Slurred or incoherent speech
Lack of coordination
Erratic emotions or mood swings
Memory deficits
Loss of consciousness

How important is it to have an attorney that specializes in brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injury sufferers often face a host of medical, legal and financial issues that differ significantly from other personal injury claimant. Many TBI patients appear to be unharmed, but need appropriate physical, cognitive or emotional treatment. Consequently, attorneys in TBI cases must carefully prepare and present the facts of each case so that the full extent of injuries is made clear to a jury. This involves a unique set of challenges best handled by a law firm or an attorney who specializes in such cases.

For more information regarding traumatic brain injury
and your LEGAL RIGHTS click here!