Emergent Treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury
It is not unusual for someone to have to go to a hospital for medical treatment after being involved in an auto accident. However, some of these injuries are more serious than others. For those who sustain a traumatic brain injury in a car accident or motorcycle collision, this could be a life-threatening emergency. Furthermore, head and brain injuries are actually more common than many people know. According to some of the information that has been published by the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS):
- Men are responsible for about three-quarters of all traumatic brain injuries that are reported.
- Based on national statistics, the majority of traumatic brain injuries are sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
- Among children and teenagers, the number two cause is sports and other recreational activities.
- Traumatic brain injuries lead to tens of thousands of deaths every year, with the majority of those dying within two hours of the initial injury.
This last statistic helps to highlight the importance of the emergent management of a traumatic brain injury. Those first few hours could make the difference between life and death.
The Mechanism of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways, and the mechanism is important because it determines where in the brain the injury takes place. Some of the common mechanisms include:
- An impact between the head and the steering wheel or dashboard of a motor vehicle.
- Striking the back of the head on a stair or curb following a slip and fall injury.
- A head-on collision sustained while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or lacrosse.
Everyone should look out for these mechanisms and don’t wait for symptoms to show up before starting the treatment process. In some cases, such as brain bleeds, waiting for signs to arrive before initiating medical care could lead to death.
Emergent Treatment: The First Steps
If there is any concern that a traumatic brain injury has been sustained, the individual needs to go to the hospital right away. There, a few things will happen. These include:
- An emergent CT scan to look for a fracture or bleed.
- Starting supplemental oxygen to prevent further damage.
- Providing steroids or mannitol to prevent swelling and reduce the intracranial pressure.
- Starting IV fluids and antibiotics to prevent dehydration and infection.
Once the CT scan comes back, the individual will be at an important crossroads. If there is a medical situation, a trained neurosurgeon will be contacted. Common medical conditions include skull fractures, brain bleeds, and strokes. If a surgical emergency is not identified, medical treatment will continue.
Help from a Brain Injury Lawyer
Those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury could find themselves in the hospital for an extended period of time. This can place the entire family under a tremendous amount of stress. Some of the common issues that could arise include:
- Will my loved one make a full recovery?
- What are the different treatment options?
- Is there anything that could have been done to prevent this accident from occurring?
- Where can we turn to for help?
It is essential to understand that help is always available. An experienced Fresno brain injury attorney has the knowledge to help families during their time of need. Don’t be nervous to ask for help because you and your family could be deserving of financial compensation.
Fresno Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno brain injury lawyer. The first few minutes following a traumatic brain injury are crucial. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury, call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Emergent Treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Emergent Treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury.
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