What can you expect when your loved one has a brain injury?

When an accident victim sustains a traumatic brain injury or TBI, they will first be treated in the emergency room. Emergency room doctors will focus on identifying the injuries and stabilizing the patient. There may be a lot of activity around the injury victim. This is normal. Each medical professional has a job to do.

Once the patient is stabilized, he will be moved from the emergency room to the intensive care unit. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient will be monitored closely and will receive round-the-clock care. ICU staff is equipped to deal with most emergencies that may arise.

After the initial injury, there is also a risk if secondary brain injury caused by brain swelling. Doctors will monitor the swelling and try to prevent further damage. Doctors may use a monitor bolt to measure the pressure within the skull. The bolt has a catheter that is surgically inserted into the brain. As pressure goes up, doctors can provide drugs to help. Or, doctors may remove a piece of the skull in order to allow the brain to expand and to reduce the chances of brain herniation. The piece of the skull is reattached once the risk of swelling has passed.

There are possible complications of brain injury. These include:

• Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots

• Seizures

• Pneumonia

• Ulcers or bed sores

• Drop foot

• Disruption of autonomic functions such as temperature regulation

• Metabolic problems

If your loved one has additional injuries, they may also have associated complications. Multiple injuries may slow recovery.

Once your loved one is passed the critical stage, they will be moved out of the intensive care unit and into a neurological floor. Your loved one may begin therapy to prevent drop foot and muscle atrophy. At this time, doctors will have a better idea of the prognosis for your loved one.

Recovering from a head injury may take years. Your loved one may never fully recover and may require long-term care and therapy. This can be expensive and you may be wondering how to pay those medical bills.

The Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can help. We know your hands are full. This has got to be a hard time for you. Let us deal with the insurance company and get you a fair settlement for all your loved one’s losses. Contact our Kansas City brain injury attorneys at 888-348-2616.

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys*
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions

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