Brain injuries can result in lifelong impairments and complications. Head trauma can also result in life-threatening conditions. A person may not realize the severity of the brain injury because blunt force trauma may not result in any outward sign of injury.
However, blunt force head trauma is serious. Without proper treatment, a person could actually die from blunt force trauma. An untreated brain injury could also result in more severe complications and disabilities.
Common Causes Blunt Force Head Trauma
Any jolt, bump, or blow to the head can cause blunt force trauma. Car accidents are a common cause of blunt for trauma. However, there are also other ways that a person can sustain trauma to the head.
Common situations that can lead to blunt force head trauma include, but are not limited to:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Sports and Recreational Activities
- Workplace Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Assault
Wearing protecting headgear can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries from blunt force trauma. However, it may not prevent all brain injuries. A proper diagnosis by a medical provider is the best way to determine whether you sustained a brain injury after blunt force trauma.
Diagnosing Brain Injuries After Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt force trauma often results in traumatic brain injury. Diagnosing brain injuries after an accident can be difficult.
Some individuals may not experience symptoms for several days or weeks. In some cases, what began as mild symptoms grow worse in the weeks after an accident.
It is important to seek medical care after any type of head trauma. A doctor may perform several tests to diagnose a brain injury. Generally, a doctor begins with a physical examination and the Glasgow Coma Scale.
The Glasgow Coma Scale measures a person’s functioning in three key areas. The medical provider rates the responses to achieve a total “score.” Lower scores indicate more severe brain injuries.
Depending on the person’s responses to the Glasgow Coma Scale and how the person’s symptoms progress, a doctor may order additional tests. Language and speech tests may be performed. Also, a doctor may order neuropsychological and cognition assessments when evaluating blunt force trauma injuries.
Imaging tests can also be beneficial in some cases. CT scans of the brain can help determine the damage to brain tissue and whether there is bleeding on the brain. MRIs produce more detailed images of the brain.
In some cases, a doctor may need to monitor brain swelling. The swelling can cause additional brain damage.
The physician may insert a probe into the skull to monitor the swelling. If the swelling is severe, the doctor may insert a shunt to relieve intracranial pressure.
Treatments for Blunt Force Brain Trauma
The treatment prescribed for brain injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. In cases of mild TBI, rest and time may be all that is required for the brain to heal. The person may have no further complications or long-term impairments.
For more severe brain injuries, a doctor may prescribe a more extended period of rest to allow the brain to heal. Specific activities that require concentration and focus may need to be limited. Also, physical activity may need to be restricted.
Medications may be needed to treat symptoms of brain injuries. Common medications used in brain injury cases include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Stimulants
- Antidepressants
- Anticoagulants
- Muscle relaxants
Surgery may also be necessary to treat some cases of brain injury caused by blunt force trauma. Surgery may be required to repair skull fractures or to make a hole in the skull to release pressure. A doctor may also perform surgery to remove clotted blood or perform other repairs.
Physicians use various therapies to treat the long-term complications caused by traumatic brain injuries. Physical and occupational therapy can help improve coordination, strength, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Cognitive therapy can help with problems related to attention, learning, and judgment. Sometimes, a person may need speech therapy or vocational counseling. Psychological counseling is also used to help individuals deal with emotional distress and to learn coping skills.
What is the Effect of Blunt Force Head Trauma?
The effect of blunt force head trauma depends on the severity of the injury. It can also depend on how quickly you received care for your head trauma.
Some individuals do not have any permanent impairments. Other individuals may experience short-term complications. In severe cases, a person could develop a permanent disability of impairment after blunt force head trauma.
Some of the effects of brain injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Temporary problems with coordination or partial paralysis
- Headaches
- Short-term memory loss or confusion
- Loss of taste or smell
- Problems with language or speech
In cases of severe TBI, a person may experience the above symptoms on a long-term basis. There could also be permanent emotional, cognitive, and physical impairments. The severity of the impairment often depends on the damage to the brain and the location of the brain injury.
Seeking Compensation for Brain Injuries
Brain injuries caused by accidents or other wrongdoing can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. If you sustained a brain injury from blunt force head trauma, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
You could be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical treatment
- Personal care costs
- Loss of income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disabilities and impairments
The amount of compensation you receive is based on the facts and circumstances of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami personal injury lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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