How Is A Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires immediate diagnosis. Otherwise, the longer the injury goes undiagnosed, the longer it remains untreated. And, if the injury is left untreated for an extended period of time, it can cause irrevocable damage.

The personal injury lawyers at our firm recognize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of TBIs. We encourage people to go to an emergency room if an incident occurs that causes TBI symptoms. In addition, if you need help getting fair compensation from someone responsible for a TBI, we can provide assistance.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Test to Diagnose a TBI

TBI symptoms can escalate quickly without treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. If someone experiences headache, nausea, or other TBI symptoms, urgent medical care is paramount. That way, this individual can receive appropriate testing to determine if he or she is dealing with a TBI.

Common tests used to diagnose a TBI include:

  • Glasgow Coma Scale: First responders can use this 15-point scale to assess the severity of an individual’s brain injury. When using the scale, responders will ask an individual to follow directions, move their eyes and limbs, and speak. From here, they will assign a score according to the scale. A high score indicates an individual’s injury may be minor. Meanwhile, a low score shows an individual may be experiencing a TBI or another type of serious injury.
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: A doctor can request a patient undergo a CT scan to visualize fractures and other brain damage. The scan provides images that can highlight brain bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: An MRI scan involves the use of radio waves to produce a detailed image of an individual’s brain. The scan can be performed once a patient is stable or if their symptoms do not subside shortly after their injury occurs.
  • Intracranial Pressure Monitor Testing: A doctor can use an intracranial pressure monitor to track pressure inside of an individual’s skill. This helps the doctor assess the severity of brain damage.

Following a diagnosis of a TBI, a doctor crafts a personalized treatment plan for their patient. Next, the doctor and patient work together to execute the plan and ensure it delivers the optimal results.

Treatment Varies Based On the Severity of a TBI

A mild brain injury can cause symptoms that disappear on their own within a few hours or days of onset. Comparatively, a TBI can result in long-lasting symptoms that require drugs, surgery, and other treatments to alleviate.

The cost of TBI treatment can be expensive, particularly for those who are coping with severe brain damage. Fortunately, compensation may be available from negligent parties who caused a fall, car accident, or other incidents that led to a TBI.

Consult with Our Firm Today

The Dallas traumatic brain injury attorney at our firm offers legal assistance to those dealing with a TBI. Our attorneys can work with you to pursue compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. We can review your claim and offer tips, recommendations, and insights to help you win your personal injury case. For more information or to request a free consultation, please contact us online or call us at 214-295-2900.

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