Our brain is the most complicated organ in our body. That single organ controls thought process, motor functions, emotions. Our brains are also the most fragile organ in our body. Damage to the brain can cause us to lose the ability to speak, move our limbs, or control other bodily functions. Because the brain is such a complex organ the severity of the brain injury is hard to predict until the patient awakens. Some accidents leave small contusions that can heal, while other accident leave the victim completely brain dead. If your brain injury was caused due to the negligence of another party you may be able to receive compensation. Listed below are the most commonly asked brain injury questions.
1. What are the types of brain injuries?
Blows to the head or sudden movement that causes the brain to slam against your skull is a closed head injury. For closed head injuries damage can extend to other areas of the brain or damage can be focused on one specific area. Closed head injuries lead to brain bleeds, bruising on the brain, inter cranial pressure, or fluid buildup.
Penetrating injuries are caused by foreign object penetrating the brain. Fractured bone fragments, bullets, and glass are a few examples that can penetrate the brain.
When there is very little or no oxygen being transported to the brain, brain cells die. With these injuries damage can extend to more than one area of the brain. When a brain is deprived for an extended amount of time, the victim can become brain dead.
When toxic agents make contact with the blood-brain barrier they can poison the blood flowing to the brain. These poisonous toxins can kill brain cells.
2. What is rehabilitation like for brain injuries?
Brain injuries are usually extremely invasive surgeries. They often require a sizable medical team and hours of operation. Most patients post neurosurgery require some time to stabilize. They also usually experience headaches after surgery, which is completely normal. The type of therapy you will need will depend on the extent of your brain surgery. Some people will need speech therapy while others do not. Some people will have difficulty moving and need physiotherapy. Whatever the therapy is, it will take you time to fully recover.
3. What are the levels of brain injuries?
Brain injuries usually fall under 3 categories-mild, moderate, and severe. The category is determined by the severity of the damage and the neurological changes the patient experiences. Medical staff employs a number of methods to determine the severity of brain injuries. Responsiveness, movement, and consciousness are all measured. Prognosis is usually determined by a combination of these factors. None of this can be determined until the patient has been taken out of the intensive care unit and begins rehabilitation.
If you have sustained a brain injury and are seeking legal counsel feel free to contact us at Colley & Colley.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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