Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury that can have long-lasting effects on individuals and their families. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Medical professionals use a variety of methods to diagnose TBI. While imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, are the most recognized, doctors have even more tests at their disposal to help them diagnose and treat TBIs. Our New York personal injury lawyer will help you understand this issue.
- Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Tests Used to Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. To Learn About Your Legal Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, leading to nearly half of TBI-related hospitalizations.
Other common causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, and pedestrians can result in severe head injuries.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and boxing can lead to concussions and other forms of TBI.
- Assaults: Intentional acts of violence, including physical assaults and gunshot wounds, can cause significant brain damage.
- Workplace Accidents: Accidents in construction sites, factories, and other hazardous work environments can result in head injuries.
- Blast Injuries: Explosions, such as those encountered in combat zones or industrial accidents, can cause traumatic brain injuries.
- Penetrating Injuries: Objects penetrating the skull, such as bullets or sharp objects, can cause severe brain trauma.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome: Violent shaking of an infant or young child can result in traumatic brain injury and long-term neurological damage.
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Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Some, like headaches, dizziness, and loss of balance, are easily recognizable; others may be subtle or likely to be blamed on another cause.
These symptoms include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur shortly after a head injury and can persist.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering recent events, or understanding information.
- Loss of Consciousness: Brief loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds, is a hallmark symptom of a brain injury.
- Fatigue or Drowsiness: Feeling unusually tired or sleepy, even after getting enough rest.
- Sensory Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, and changes in hearing, taste, or smell may occur following a brain injury.
- Mood Changes: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression can develop as a result of brain trauma.
- Cognitive Impairments: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, organizing thoughts, or processing information.
- Speech and Language Problems: Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or trouble understanding language.
Tests Used to Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries
When a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a blow to the head, it’s essential that they seek medical care so a doctor can conduct a thorough evaluation. This evaluation helps determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate course of action.
Initial Assessments
The initial assessments are most likely done in an emergency room and will help the doctors determine what additional tests are needed.
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to assess the patient’s overall condition. This may include checking vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. The examination may also include blood tests, evaluating neurological function, and examining for any visible signs of injury.
- Medical History: Gathering information about the patient’s medical history, including any previous head injuries or neurological conditions, can provide valuable insights into their current condition.
- Symptom Assessment: The patient’s symptoms, including headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and changes in behavior or mood, are carefully evaluated. These symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the brain injury.
Once the initial assessments are completed, the testing phase begins.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosing traumatic brain injury by providing detailed images of the brain’s structure and function. They also help determine the injury’s severity. For example, these tests could differentiate between a mild concussion and an injury that has caused damage to the brain tissue. Common imaging modalities used in TBI diagnosis include:
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. It is often the first imaging test performed in cases of suspected TBI, as it can quickly detect skull fractures, bleeding, and other abnormalities.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of the brain’s soft tissues. It can provide more detailed information than a CT scan and is particularly useful for detecting subtle abnormalities and assessing the extent of damage.
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): PET scans measure brain activity by detecting the uptake of a radioactive tracer. While less commonly used than CT or MRI, PET scans can provide valuable information about brain function and metabolism, which can help assess the severity of TBI.
Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological testing involves a series of assessments designed to evaluate various cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills. These tests can help identify subtle cognitive deficits associated with traumatic brain injury, even in cases where imaging tests appear normal. Neuropsychological testing may include:
- Memory Tests: Assessing short-term and long-term memory functions, including the ability to recall information and recognize patterns.
- Attention and Concentration Tests: Evaluating the patient’s ability to focus and sustain attention on tasks for a prolonged period.
- Executive Function Tests: Assessing higher-order cognitive functions, such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Electrophysiological Tests
Electrophysiological tests measure the brain’s electrical activity and can provide valuable information about brain function and connectivity. These tests are particularly useful for assessing the extent of damage to specific brain regions and identifying abnormal patterns of activity. Common electrophysiological tests used in TBI diagnosis include:
- Electroencephalography (EEG): EEG measures the brain’s electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. It can help detect abnormal brain waves associated with seizures, coma, and other neurological conditions commonly seen in TBI patients.
- Evoked Potentials: Evoked potential tests measure the brain’s response to sensory stimuli, such as light flashes or auditory tones. Abnormalities in evoked potentials can indicate dysfunction in specific sensory pathways and provide insights into the extent of brain injury.
Regardless of how you suffered a traumatic brain injury—or the methods that were used to diagnose it—if your injury was due to the negligence of another party, a lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. To Learn About Your Legal Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury
At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., our attorneys specialize in personal injury cases, including those involving traumatic brain injury.
We understand the challenges you may be facing and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek justice and financial recovery for your injuries.
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