Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause a broad range of complications that can impact a person's life forever. In most cases, patients will face new challenges that will require immediate and lifelong treatment. At John M. O'Brien & Associates, P.C., we serve as tireless advocates for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Our Elk Grove brain injury attorneys fight aggressively to ensure they recover the compensation necessary to cover the cost of expensive treatments and high quality care.

Acute TBI Treatment

When a person suffers trauma to the head, he or she will most likely be rushed to the hospital for immediate, acute treatment. Acute treatment is designed to stabilize the patient and prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, there are several steps that may be taken during acute treatment, including:

• Examine the patient for dangerous blood clots
• Perform surgery to remove any blood clots that are found
• Clear the patient's airways if they are blocked
• Give the patient medication to ease the situation and prevent seizures
• Perform surgery to relieve any excess brain fluid in the skull
• Imaging tests to determine the severity of the injury; these may include X-rays of the head and neck to determine if the patient has bone fractures or damage to the spine

Acute treatment is crucial for a patient's recovery. Traumatic brain injury patients have a high risk for other health complications as a result of the injury, if not treated quickly and properly. Complications may include:

• Seizures
• Post-traumatic ventricular enlargement
• Infection
• Vascular injuries
• Cranial nerve injuries
• Organ failure

Once the patient is stabilized, he or she will receive subacute treatment. During this stage of treatment, the patient will be thoroughly examined to determine the type of injuries sustained, the chance of recovery, and the long-term disabilities he or she will likely face.

Long-term TBI Treatment & Rehabilitation

Traumatic brain injuries are severe and can leave patients with lifelong disabilities and impairments that may require treatment and rehabilitation for the rest of their lives. Doctors and specialists will work with the patient and his or her family to determine the best rehabilitation plan. Long-term treatment may include:

• Neuropsychological counseling—A form of cognitive-behavioral intervention that emphasizes education, social skills training and behavioral modification following a diagnosis of behavioral or psychiatric conditions related to the brain injury. This form of counseling aims to help patients with cognitive problems (e.g. thinking, concentrating and problem solving); communication problems (e.g. understanding what another person is saying, being able to speak clearly and express a thought); behavioral problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, aggression, and other personality changes).
• Assistive technologies—Specialized medical devices designed to help with specific disabilities such as a wheelchair or an electronic keyboard.
• Medications—The type of medication prescribed will depend on the patient. Patients may be prescribed anticonvulsants to help minimize seizures or other drugs to help with depression or anxiety. Doctors will be careful to treat TBI with medications, however, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.

Doctors and other healthcare providers will work with the patient and his or her family to determine the best treatment and rehabilitation plan suited for the patient's specific needs. Other therapies such as physical and speech therapies may also be included in rehabilitation.

Compensation Strategies for TBI Patients

The cost of treatment can be extremely expensive. At John M. O'Brien & Associates, P.C., our experienced Elk Grove personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping patients and their families seek and recover the maximum amount of compensation possible to ensure the highest quality care.

A financial recovery may not reverse the damage done to your loved one, but it will help ease the financial burden and allow you to provide him/her with the best in care. For more information about the resources available, or to schedule a private discussion to see how we can help you, please contact a Sacramento brain injury lawyer at John M. O'Brien & Associates, P.C. today.