There are dozens of ways that you could end up with a brain injury. It doesn’t even require you to hit your head. From auto collisions to slip-and-fall accidents, a single accident could lead to serious damage to the most vital of organs.
The human brain is responsible for directing motor responses, integrating sensory information and learning. It helps you be who you are. Any damage to this organ could have a lasting effect on your behavior, movement, feelings and more.
Brains are complex, which makes injuries difficult to treat
Even though much is known about the brain, brain injuries can be difficult to treat. After an accident, the first thing that the medical team will do is aim to reduce swelling and to improve circulation. The goal of this is to minimize the number of brain cells that are damaged or lost as a result of the injury.
Medications may be used to reduce the amount of fluid buildup on the brain, which in turn prevents swelling from damaging additional areas of the brain. Anticonvulsants might be used to reduce the likelihood of seizures. Sometimes, patients will be placed into artificial comas, so that their brains can recover as much as possible without too much input from outside.
Even mild or moderate brain injuries should be taken seriously
Even if you only have mild symptoms of a brain injury, take those symptoms seriously. Acquired brain injuries may have a lasting impact and can worsen over time. For example, if you get into a crash today, you may not notice many symptoms. However, as the brain swells and pressure builds, you may start having more serious symptoms. Treating this condition before swelling gets out of control may help you reduce the likelihood of complications and long-term symptoms.
After an injury, you may need physical or occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support and other treatments. Some people require surgery, and others stay on medications to prevent seizure activity. Know your rights as a victim of a brain injury. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, then they should be held liable and cover the cost of your care.
