How Do Florida Doctors Diagnose a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious types of bodily harm a person can sustain, but diagnosing this type of bodily harm presents challenges for a number of reasons. For one, a victim may not have any visible symptoms – or may develop them long after the initial trauma that caused the injury. Plus, researchers at the Mayo Clinic recognize multiple levels in terms of severity for TBIs, ranging from a minor concussion up to severe brain damage or a penetrating brain injury.
Still, regardless of the complications, there are strategies for diagnosing TBI, which are especially important if you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence. A Florida personal injury lawyer can explain how a diagnosis affects your claim, but read on for some basic information on methodology.
Physical Examinations: At times, a physician can diagnose TBI through physical exams. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the most common, which measures a victim’s abilities in three key areas:
- The ability to speak normally and make sense in response to questioning;
- Eye movement, such as whether the person is blinking appropriately and can stay focused on an object; and,
- The ability to move the rest of the body and respond to stimuli – including contact that would potentially be painful to a person under normal functioning.
Imaging and Other Tests to Diagnose TBI: Additional tests may ben necessary to get actual images of the victim’s brain, so health care providers can analyze damage. Options may include:
- Computerized Tomography: A CAT or CT scan uses x-ray technology from multiple angles to get a comprehensive view of the brain. This test may reveal bleeding, bruising, or other indications of TBI.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An MRI can produce more detailed images of the brain through use of magnets and radio waves. Usually, physicians may only resort to this test if other examinations aren’t conclusive.
- Intracranial Pressure Monitoring: With certain types of TBI, the damage to the brain leads to swelling and abnormal pressure inside the skull. An ICP exam can detect higher levels of pressure, at which point doctors can decide strategies for releasing it.
Your Rights as a Victim Suffering TBI: Head and brain injuries are often caused by personal injury accidents, where victims are hurt through no fault of their own. The law does allow you to recover compensation if you or a loved has suffered a TBI, such as through a motor vehicle crash, slip and fall, or other incident that occurs due to negligent acts. If you can prove certain facts, it may be possible to recover monetary damages for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
Reach Out to a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
Just as you should trust your doctor to diagnose TBI, you can rely on our team at the Musleh Law Firm to represent your legal interests. Our Ocala brain & head injury lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies, but we’re equally prepared to take your case to court to protect your rights.
Resource:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
