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Early diagnosis important for traumatic brain injuries

On Behalf of | Nov 8, 2016 | Workers' Compensation

Even when a New Jersey resident who has incurred a blow to the head thinks that it did not cause a serious injury, problems and even long-term disability could arise later if brain damage goes untreated. People who this has happened to should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Medical researchers have found that patients with traumatic brain injuries benefit from early diagnosis. Timely treatment could prevent or reduce secondary injuries. Free radicals form within injured brain tissues and spread damage beyond the initial region of trauma. Difficulties and delays in diagnosis, however, commonly impede treatment and reduce its effectiveness. Symptoms experienced by patients with mild-to-severe head injuries could include concentration problems, dizziness, fainting, confusion, memory loss, blurry vision, mood swings and blackouts.

Treatments that could promote recovery range from the administration of pain relievers and bed rest to hospitalization. During inpatient treatment, physicians prescribe diuretics and anti-seizure drugs and monitor results. In severe cases, surgery might be performed. Some patients require rehabilitative therapy.

While they are popularly associated with football, soccer and other contact sports, head injuries commonly result from motor vehicle collisions, bicycle accidents or sudden falls. The victims often require lengthy periods of hospitalization and follow-up medical treatment, and in many cases they are unable to ever return to work. When the accident has been caused by the negligence of another party, such as an impaired driver or a property owner that fails to correct a hazardous condition, a personal injury attorney could assist a victim in pursuing compensation from the at-fault party for the losses that have been incurred.