The human brain is an incredibly powerful organ that is capable of regulating bodily functions without someone’s conscious awareness and processing vast amounts of information. The brain controls everything from someone’s memory and personality to their muscular coordination.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can, therefore, inspire a vast assortment of different symptoms. People may report changes in their personalities or struggles with language processing. They may have issues recalling old memories or making new ones. TBIs can affect everything from interpersonal relationships to someone’s employment.
Oftentimes, moderate to severe TBIs also generate major medical expenses. What kind of treatment will someone undergo after a brain injury?
Trauma care
Emergency medical treatment is often necessary to stabilize someone who is suffered a TBI. Frequently, surgery is one of the first lines of defense against a brain injury. A surgery can alleviate the pressure on the brain and reduce the likelihood of someone’s symptoms worsening.
Hospitalization
Those adjusting to a TBI or healing from the initial trauma often require a lengthy stay at a hospital. They may have to remain in bed nearly all the time. Sometimes, medical professionals even put them in a chemically induced coma so that their brains and bodies have a chance to recover from the physical trauma that they endured.
Rehabilitation care
One of the most important forms of treatment for those with a TBI will be rehabilitative support. From working to regain proper gate in those who cannot walk steadily because of balance or motor control issues to helping people regain lost function that will allow them to live independently or continue working, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other forms of rehabilitative support are often important treatments options for those with significant brain injuries.
The cost of that emergency medical care and the long-term medical support that follows can be far higher than the insurance coverage available, which is one reason why those with TBIs caused by car crashes often need to make claims in civil court against the party who caused their harm. Ultimately, learning more about the medical consequences of a TBI might help someone determine the best medical and legal responses to their initial injury.