Personal Injury Law

A few facts on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

By Carl J. Wald, Esq.

Millions of people in the United States suffer from some sort of traumatic brain injury (TBI), also referred to as a closed head injury, and may not even know it. TBI's occur when the brain is subject to trauma. It is medically accepted that a person can suffer from a TBI even if not 'knocked out' at the scene of an accident, do not suffer a skull fracture, and even if all diagnostic imaging tests are normal. TBI's affect the way the brain processes information. The person suffering from a TBI may not be the best historian of their symptoms, and may not even believe they have an injury. Family and friends are usually in a better position to detect the signs and symptoms of TBI, as they are the ones that can see an objective change in the person's behavior.

Some facts of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

• A person does not need to be 'knocked out' or unconscious to have sustained a TBI.
• The ability to walk and talk at the scene of an accident does not rule out the possibility of a TBI.
• The ability to drive home after an accident does not rule out the possibility of a TBI.
• The fact a person is not diagnosed with a brain injury in the hospital, does not rule out the possibility of a TBI.
• The fact there are normal neurological examinations, normal CT scans, X-rays or MRI's, does not rule out the possibility of a TBI.

The main leading signs or symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury are: Headaches; memory problems; concentration and attention problems; personality change; difficulty organizing tasks; fatigue; inability to fall asleep or remain asleep; balance and stability problems; irritability, anger, frustration; speech and communication problems with the inability to find the right words to express yourself; depression.

If you observe any of the above noted signs or symptoms in a friend or loved one, it's possible they are suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury. It is important they seek immediate medical attention to correctly diagnosis if it is a Traumatic Brain Injury, and to get proper medical care and treatment..

Resources for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain Injury Association of America - National Website for the Brain Injury Association that promotes educational awareness, support, legislation and resources on brain injury
Brain Injury Association of Florida - Website for the state office with updates and resource information for survivors, caregivers, prevention and legislative updates
Brain Injury Association of America - State Offices - A contact list for 44 state offices
Florida Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program - The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) is administered by the Florida Department of Health. 
Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation, Inc - In Patient services for Brain Injury Patients.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on March 13, 2010 (boomark / email).