A permanent brain injury may be difficult to recognize or prove. Changes in a person's behavior or personality may be subtle. In any case, the earlier a brain injury is diagnosed, the earlier a person can begin a treatment program. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a lawyer from Newman Bronson & Wallis in St. Louis, Missouri, can explain your legal options and how you may be able to obtain compensation from the parties at fault.
Brain injury symptoms
Symptoms of brain damage can vary in type and severity. The effects largely depend on the degree of injury and the portion of the brain affected. In general, anyone who has sustained a serious blow to the head should see a doctor to determine if they should undergo diagnostic analysis. Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include bleeding from the head or face, loss of consciousness, confusion, lethargy, lowered pulse or breathing rate and clear fluid drainage from nose or ear. Symptoms of concussion include loss of consciousness, memory loss, vomiting, dizziness, partial paralysis or numbness, shock, confusion and anxiety.
Diagnostic tools
There are a variety of physical, mental and psychological tests that medical professionals use to determine the severity and effects of a brain injury. However, it is important to note that many diagnostic tests fail to detect brain injuries where there is a closed head injury. The following is a brief description of some diagnostic tools.
MRI — Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive process that uses magnets to create nondestructive, three-dimensional, internal images of the soft tissues of the body. It is often used to analyze the brain, spinal cord and muscle.
CT scan — A computed tomography (CT) scan is a computer-assisted x-ray procedure that produces cross-sectional images of body tissue. This procedure is usually noninvasive and brief in duration.
PET scan — Position Emission Tomography scanning (PET scan) is a computerized diagnostic tool that uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer to create a view of a "slice" of a scanned object. This type of diagnostic tool is helpful for brain injury patients because it produces a three-dimensional image of the brain that shows how and where the brain is functioning.
EEG — Electroencephalography (EEG) is the graphic recording of electric waves created in the brain. It is recorded through surface electrodes that are placed on the scalp. The EEG measures wave patterns and can help diagnose certain brain conditions.
QEEG — Quantitative Electroencephalography, sometimes referred to a brain mapping, is a method of analyzing electrical activity in the brain to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various brain injuries and disorders.
DTI — Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the brain uses MRI technology to assist in the diagnosis of brain injury by identifying brain abnormalities not able to be seen on MRI, CAT Scan, PET Scan or SPECT.
Lab work — Individuals with head injuries may have the following laboratory tests: complete blood count, glucose, electrolyte, arterial blood gas, toxicology tests, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, platelet determinations and DIC panel.
Functional tests for brain damage
In addition to the above mentioned procedures, medical and psychological professionals use functional tests that analyze:
- Vision and eye movement
- Facial expression and reactions to stimuli
- Hearing
- Muscular movement
- Personality
- Memory
Treatment and therapy
Treatment and therapy will greatly depend on the extent and nature of the injury. If an individual suffered a penetrating injury, surgery may be necessary. In addition, surgery may be necessary to drain blood if there is bleeding inside the skull. Some individuals with brain injuries may require physical and occupational rehabilitation to condition muscles and relearn life skills. Treatment programs may include behavioral and cognitive assessments and checks of whether medications that have been prescribed are still appropriate. Generally, the earlier treatment begins the better the outcome. However, in some cases, the injured person may not ever make a full functional recovery, though his or her impairments may improve over time.
Contact a brain injury lawyer
A brain injury can be devastating for both the person injured and his or her family. Therapy, medical treatment and supplies can be exceedingly expensive. A legal claim can help you secure financial assistance from the party responsible for the injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a lawyer at Newman Bronson & Wallis in St. Louis, Missouri, can evaluate your situation and prepare a claim for your medical expenses.