Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury can happen to you or someone else suddenly and unexpectedly. The best treatment outcome depends on a quick and appropriate response. Invariably, this involves obtaining proper medical attention. It may be that not every blow to the head requires evaluation by a physician, but when in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution by going to the emergency room or calling 911 for a suspected TBI.
You may be in a position where you need to provide first aid to someone else who may have experienced a traumatic brain injury, or you may be the victim of one yourself. In either case, it is important to know what to do.
Responses to Your Own Suspected TBI
If you have sustained a serious TBI, you may not be in a position to respond at all. You may be confused or unconscious; however, traumatic brain injuries can range in severity. If you sustained a relatively mild injury, such as a concussion, you may be able to assess your own situation and respond appropriately.
Though relatively mild compared to other traumatic brain injuries, it is still important to receive medical attention for a suspected concussion. This is especially true if any of the following symptoms are present following a head trauma:
- Confusion
- Seizure
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Amnesia
You should follow your doctor’s instructions in regard to caring for your own TBI. It is not necessarily true that you should not sleep after a concussion. In fact, rest may be a significant part of your recovery. In addition to getting plenty of rest and not subjecting yourself to mental strain, you should take steps to prevent a repeat traumatic brain injury. As dangerous as one TBI can be, multiple traumatic brain injuries over a short period of time can be life-threatening.
Responses to a Suspected TBI in Someone Else
If someone else sustains a head trauma, you should first call 911. You may also have to administer first aid until help arrives. Here are a few things that you may have to do:
- Monitor breathing and perform CPR if negative changes occur.
- Keep the person still and lying down and avoid any unnecessary movement.
- Control bleeding with a clean cloth or sterile gauze applied firmly to the wound, but avoid direct pressure if a skull fracture is suspected.
Even with an appropriate response and proper medical care, a traumatic brain injury can have chronic adverse effects. If the injury was the result of an accident caused by someone else, it may be possible to recover damages. Contact a brain injury accident lawyer, like a brain injury accident lawyer in Memphis, TN, so they can help you make your case.
Thanks to Wiseman Bray PLLC for their insight into the appropriate responses to a suspected traumatic brain injury.