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Traumatic Brain Injury? There is Medical and Legal Help
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
October 10, 2011

Whether you crash on your bike, suffer a severe head injury from an auto collision, or fall unexpectedly, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur at any age and any time. Each year, 1 in 500 Americans suffer traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, with most of these cases brain damage is invisible, making it difficult to detect. This is because most TBI occurs on a microscopic level.

What happens in TBI?

Ordinarily, the brain is bathed and protected in cerebral spinal fluid, but during trauma, the brain undergoes a "shearing" phenomenon where it scrapes against the rough inside wall of the skull, damaging or destroying millions of brain cells instantly.

Types of TBI

When describing TBI, the terms "mild" or "moderate" TBI will be used to refer to the degree and length of loss of consciousness, not the severity of damage in terms of functionality.

Tests to Take

-CT Scans and MRIs: These tests can only detect 10-15% of TBIs. Typically these tests are effective in finding tumors, congenital defects, and other abnormalties.

-PET Scans: This test films the brain as it absorbs glucose. This test detects irregular uptake levels in certain lobes or locations in the brain which can help a neuropsychologist and neurologist form an opinion on diagnosis.

-FMRI: Also known as functional MRI, this test records dynamic change in blood flow to the brain as a patient thinks about, feels, smells, or reacts to various external stimuli.

-Tesla MRI: The newest and most promising test of them all, this test allows doctors to conduct magnet resonance imaging with a magnet several times as powerful as those used in an ordinary MRI. Essentially, this test films exceptional anatomic detail that other tests cannot.

With the brain determining personality traits and function, TBIs are one of the scariest and most important injuries to monitor. If you suffer a head injury, don't take it lightly. See a doctor and make sure all measures are taken to ensure your safety. If you need legal advice after suffering a TBI, don't hesitate to contact the lawyers at Knapp & Roberts. We are experienced in dealing with brain injuries. Whatever you do, don't take a brain injury lightly; seek help.

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