What Should I Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a profound impact on a person’s life and, in many cases, result in permanent damage and changes in emotional, physical, and cognitive functions. Even if you do not feel any immediate symptoms after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, seeking medical assistance is crucial. The sooner you treat a traumatic brain injury, the better your chances are of minimizing the damage. Rehabilitation after a TBI can prevent complications, such as blood clots and breathing problems, and help treat mental health issues related to the injury.

Treating a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you sustained a traumatic brain injury, or you are unsure if you suffered from a TBI, visit a hospital or your doctor as soon as possible. In many cases, traumatic brain injury survivors do not experience symptoms until several hours or even days after the incident. However, if you postpone treatment, you have a higher risk of permanent damage or, in some cases, death. In Wisconsin, there are several specialized traumatic brain injury units available that are regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA).

Importance of Multidisciplinary Care

Oftentimes, the assistance of many medical specialists, physicians, and advisors are necessary when treating a traumatic brain injury. A survivor’s family members often partake in the rehabilitation process, offering support and encouragement.

Below are some of the functional problems that medical professionals treat in brain injury survivors:

• Cognitive impairments: Difficulty with decision-making, remembering, reasoning, and thought processes.
• Physical challenges: Trouble with balance and coordination, loss of limb movement, or weakness.
• Autonomic issues: Problems with bladder and bowel function.
• Emotional difficulties: Issues stemming from the injury, such as anxiety and depression.
• Communication barriers: Problems communicating with others, including difficulties in speaking or understanding language.
• Swallowing difficulties: The inability to swallow properly, which can lead to further health complications.

Skills Reinforcement Programs

To help brain injury survivors recover, many brain injury treatment programs assist them in relearning certain skills, such as:

• Communication skills: Enhancing both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Nutrition: Understanding dietary needs and meal planning.
• Motor skills: Rebuilding strength, coordination, and mobility.
• Behavior control: Managing impulsivity and emotional responses.
• Cognitive function: Improving memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
• Eating and swallowing: Ensuring safe swallowing practices.
• Reintegration: Preparing for a return to daily activities and social interactions.

In exceptionally severe cases, readjusting to life after sustaining such a catastrophic injury takes time and involves an extensive amount of support. You might require outpatient therapy, home therapy, or another form of assistance to help reintegrate you into everyday life.

Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Not all traumatic brain injuries present immediate symptoms, especially if your adrenaline levels are high or you are in shock.

Some of the signs you should be aware of include:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Trouble sleeping: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
• Persistent headaches: Ongoing pain or discomfort in the head.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
• Sensitivity to light and sound: Discomfort in bright lights or loud noises.
• Depression: Changes in mood or emotional well-being.
• Slurred speech: Difficulty articulating words or forming sentences.
• Changes in behavior: Altered personality traits or social withdrawal.
• Loss of coordination: Difficulty with balance or fine motor skills.

Reach Out to a Compassionate Personal Injury Attorney Today!

If you sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the team at Casey Law Offices, S.C. for the knowledgeable legal representation you deserve. Catastrophic injuries, such as TBIs, impact many parts of a victim’s life and can lead to long-term pain and suffering. Our attorney has assisted traumatic brain injury survivors and their families for more than 25 years and would be honored to do the same for you.

We understand the difficulties you are facing and how overwhelming this situation can be, especially once the medical bills associated with your injury start piling up.

Contact our law office today at (414) 272-5564 to schedule a free consultation with our trusted personal injury attorney. We will not charge any legal fees until we win your case.