The last two words you want to hear when a loved one has been injured has had a stroke or suffered other traumas are "brain damage." The pictures that those two words elicit are always extremely worrisome and heartbreaking. Mainly because millions of people in this country alone who have suffered brain injuries require help when performing their daily activities while many others end up losing their lives.

Degrees of Brain Damage

How severe brain damage depends on the type of injury. If you are dealing with a mild brain injury, symptoms may be temporary and include headaches and confusion although some nausea and memory problems might also be present. When the injury is moderate, the symptoms will not only be more pronounced but will last longer. In both mild and moderate brain damage, patients can be expected to make a complete recovery although some symptoms may linger for some time.Severe brain injuries, on the other hand, tend to be associated with debilitating and life-altering problems. People suffering from them will not only experience physical disabilities but also cognitive and behavioral ones, and will most likely be dependent on others for their daily needs for the rest of their lives.

Causes of Brain Damage

Many injuries and illnesses are to blame for brain damage. The main reasons for injuries that cause brain damage are:

Car accident
Being hit in the head
Falls
Violence
Sports injuries

Additionally, there are medical causes for brain damage. In this case, the brain is injured due to:

Stroke
Heart attack
Infection
Poison
Use of illegal drugs
Neurological illnesses
Drowning or choking
Strangulation

What is the recommended treatment for brain damage?

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury you must immediately seek medical attention. This is not something that can wait. It is imperative that a medical professional determine the degree and placement of the damage in order to contain and minimize it.Diagnosis is carried out through a neurological examination and by MRIs or CT scans. The patient needs to be stabilized to ensure that the brain will not have any further damage and that there is enough blood and oxygen reaching it. The patient's blood pressure must also be monitored and stabilized.Medical treatment will also involve intense psychological support as well as physical, language, and occupational therapies.

Preventing Brain Damage

In many instances, brain damage can be avoided or prevented. Actions such as not abusing illegal drugs, not drinking and driving are widely known. Other steps that can be taken to prevent brain damage are:

Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or a bike.
Following the rules of the road and wearing a seatbelt.
Using step stools when reaching for items that are placed too high.
Installing and using handrails on stairwells.
Taking precautions when playing aggressive sports.

Talk to a Lawyer About Brain Damage

Whether it is you or a loved one who has suffered brain damage due to the negligence of others, the costs associated with recovering your health can be astronomical. Scheduling an initial consultation with TBI lawyers can give you the answers and legal guidance you seek now. There's no need for you to face this tragedy on your own and pay for all medical bills out of your own pocket. Your lawyer will help you fight for your rights.