Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), often referred to as "closed head injury", is typically but not always
preceded by an external blow to the head. This type of injury may be the result of a motor
vehicle collision, a fall or some other external force. While no loss of consciousness may
occur and the injury may not necessarily seem devastating, any type of trauma to the brain can lead to
changes or deficits in the workings of the brain, with the liability of
permanent damage. (Injury to the
brain caused by lack of oxygen or blood supply to the brain is an "anoxic injury".)
How does one know if he or she has suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? If any of
the following conditions occur as a result of trauma to the head, the
possibility of significant damage should be of concern:
loss of consciousness for any period of time
loss of memory either before or after the incident
any modification in one's state of mind at the time of the incident
(e.g. feeling confused, disoriented or dazed)
any sort of neurological deficit (e.g. numbness or tingling
sensations, loss of balance,
dizziness, paralysis or loss of muscle control of any type, inability to
speak), or any sensory loss such as hearing, vision, sense of smell or
taste.
While any or all of these symptoms may or may not occur immediately
following the incident in question, the event may trigger or precipitate
a series of events that can be detrimental. While the above listed
symptoms may be more evident, other symptoms such as irritability,
inability to concentrate and fatigue may also signify that trauma has
indeed occurred.
Will a Traumatic Brain Injury always show up on an MRI or Cat Scan?
The answer is "NO". Dangerous or severe brain injuries can exist while
imaging studies appear negative or normal. For example "shear injuries"
occur at the cellular level, therefore conventional imaging techniques
will not reveal any damage because the damage is microscopic in nature.
Although it may not be obvious at the time, if you have suffered other
serious injury as the result of a specific event, the probability of a
brain injury greatly increases. If you suspect that you have been the
victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury, yet conventional testing reveals no
damage, you should seek a reputable Neuropsychologist who can test your
brain function capacity.
What is the role of the Attorney representing an individual who has
suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? Especially in cases where
misdiagnosis or mistreatment is suspected, the lawyer becomes your
advocate in the medical and insurance community, seeing to it that you
get the specialized treatment necessary. Often it will be the lawyer who
makes the referral to a Neuropsychologist.
Law Offices of Gary Green is a corporate sponsor of the Brain Injury
Association (BIA). A donation to BIA is made by this law firm to the state
association (local chapter) of the BIA where the injury occurred. In the
event there is no state association or the contribution is not able to be
given to the state association where the injury occurred, the contribution
is given to the Arkansas chapter of the BIA.
The non-attorney BIA advocate for Law Offices of Gary Green is Teresa Hayes,
teresa.hayes@ggreen.com,
1-888-442-7947.
