In the short time following a serious accident caused by negligence, medical help is paramount. While you might think that your primary care physician will suffice, some injuries require specialists, especially if you or a family member have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A life-changing injury
A TBI can cause a wide range of damage following a car accident, fall, assault, or recreational activities, from a bump to a blow to the head. Also known as a concussion, your quality of life is at stake. Victims often experience memory loss, struggle with staying asleep, suffer from impaired speech, or experience severe cognitive impairments.
The first step following an accident that resulted in a TBI includes the following:
- Immediately schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and neurologist with training and specific knowledge of traumatic brain injuries and concussions. Not all neurologists have that level of expertise.
- Based on the legal matters surrounding your case, you should also seek an evaluation by a neuropsychologist specializing in the relationship between brain and behavior. A report from that medical professional should include testing, results, and possible treatments.
Specific imaging tests can determine the true extent of your TBI and the prognosis going forward:
- Susceptibility-Weighted MRI (SWI) – The imaging test accesses the brain’s structure and gray matter. Enhanced images will note venous blood, hemorrhage, and iron storage.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) – Testing determines the extent of the damage done by evaluating the white matter that connects to different parts of the brain to see nerve structure and overall brain wiring.
Presuming that you are “fine” following an accident can present serious harm. Time is of the essence in seeking medical help from a qualified physician. Concurrently, legal representation can hold the responsible party accountable for your life-changing injuries while also securing the compensation necessary for recovery.