One of the most prolific and dangerous types of head injuries is a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can manifest itself in many ways, including, but not limited to, the loss of motor functions, speech, or memory.
The Art of Diagnosis
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury is the first step towards formulating an effective and successful treatment regiment. It is always best to seek out a medical doctor who has a history of diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries.
The doctor will begin the medical evaluation by assessing where on the head the injury occurred. The site of the injury can tell the medical provider quite a bit about what type of symptoms and long-term disability may be in store for the patient. For example:
- Injury to the frontal lobes could cause loss of higher cognitive functions. These functions control inhibitions, which may lead to inappropriate social behavior.
- Injury to the cerebellum could cause loss of coordination and balance.
- Injury to the brainstem may result in symptoms that change breathing and heart rate.
There Are Many Ways to Look at Your Injury
The path to a complete and all encompassing diagnosis is found in the detail and care that your doctor has for your injury. There are a few examinations that you should expect from your doctor that will serve to give him or her the most accurate and insightful information about your injury.
A complete neurological exam is a necessary component of any examination, as is the use of brain imaging technology, such as a CAT scan, MRI, SPECT, or PET scan. Making sure that you have received all the proper evaluations is important. It is also imperative to keep an open dialogue with your doctor. The more that you communicate to him or her, the better an understanding your doctor will have of your injury.
A Place to Turn
If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another person, you should contact an experienced California brain injury attorney at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at (800) 989-6385. We are ready to work diligently to help assist you in putting your life back together.
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