Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a term generally associated with a closed head injury. It is also commonly referred to as a concussion. In most cases, a car crash, a slip and fall accident, or a sports injury are the root causes. In my 26 years as a personal injury litigation attorney I’ve seen my share of cases. I’ve learned many things about TBI and I’d like to share just a few of them.
Traumatic Brain Injuries can occur when the skull takes a blow or is jolted. This impact causes the brain to rotate or collide with the inside of the skull. This can also result in bleeding, bruising and stretched or torn brain tissue. These types of injuries may alter the chemistry of the brain and may cause physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep changes. TBI symptoms can vary from subtle to debilitating, depending on the severity of the impact.
Mild TBI symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- headache
- nausea/vomiting
- fatigue
- drowsiness
- speech problems
- dizziness
- sensitivity to light
- difficulty sleeping
- memory and concentration problems
Any person who sustains what could be called a serious TBI, or repeat TBI’s, may be at greater risk of dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (degenerative brain disease).
Because a Traumatic Brain Injury is not obvious to the naked eye it is difficult to impossible to self-diagnose and often the victim wants to either minimize or even dismiss their complaints. TBI’s are often undetectable even by an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Confirming the extent of the injury without hard data that measured cognitive performance prior to the injury is challenging. In Sacramento we are fortunate to have access to UC Davis as well as other specialists. They offer baseline testing via the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test or “imPACT”.
The imPACT test is a computerized neurocognitive exam that measures brain function. Ideally, everyone at higher than average risk of sustaining a TBI should take the imPACT baseline test. This can include student athletes, recreational or competitive athletes, skiers or snowboarders, bikers, motorcyclists, etc. With a baseline in place, the imPACT test can then be retaken after an injury. It provides the physician with a detailed comparison of neurological function pre and post injury, which will allow a much more detailed and targeted recovery plan. Recovery from a closed head injury depends on the mechanism of injury and injury severity, as well as the age and health of the afflicted.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or contact Guenard & Bozarth online. We would be honored to represent you!
