Montana residents who have suffered a serious brain injury know that the road to recovery can be long and expensive. Health insurance is often insufficient to fully cover the medical expenses. When a traumatic brain injury is the result of another party’s fault in an accident, it is essential to obtain sufficient compensation to cover these costs.
A mild brain injury may require no treatment other than over-the-counter pain medications and rest. Nonetheless family members should keep an eye on the injured person in case symptoms develop that may indicate a more severe injury. Doctors will typically recommend a follow-up visit to make sure recovery is proceeding smoothly.
For a moderate to severe brain injury emergency medical care is necessary. Emergency room and intensive care unit personnel will make sure enough oxygen and blood is flowing to the brain, and take steps to prevent further injury.
Medications can include diuretics to reduce fluid build up, which can put pressure on the brain. Because many patients suffer seizures within a week after the injury, anti-seizure medications may also be prescribed. Doctors may also give medications to induce a temporary coma. A comatose brain requires less oxygen, and sometimes after a brain injury blood vessels are compressed and unable to provide sufficient oxygen to the brain.
Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove blood clots and repair skull fractures. Surgery can also be used to create an opening in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain.
In addition to the medications and treatments discussed above, victims of serious TBI usually require extensive rehabilitation services. These will be the subject of next week’s post.
Source: mayoclinic.org, “Traumatic brain injury: Treatments and drugs,” accessed June 28, 2015
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