Medical Treatment Following a Concussion
Of the approximately 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that occur in the United States each year, a significant number are categorized as concussions. In fact, the Brain Injury Association of America indicates1 that concussion is the most common form of brain injury. While many people may not consider a concussion a serious injury, the reality is that all TBIs require medical attention. In recent years, the adverse and serious cumulative effect of multiple untreated concussions has come to light, particularly in the context of contact sports like football and hockey. Studies indicate that concussions can cause significant problems, even years after the injury occurs, and could make victims more prone to issues later in life such as Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance that anyone who suspects that he or she has sustained a TBI seeks medical attention immediately.
The costs associated with treating a concussion can be significant. Fortunately, these and other losses are often recoverable if a victim can establish that someone else was at fault for his or her accident. The assistance of an attorney can have a significant impact on your ability to recover. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call our office today at (727) 451-6900.
How are concussions treated?
Of course, the course of treatment recommended by your physician will vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. That being said, there are some standard treatments that will be used in the majority of concussion cases.
- Rest – According to the Mayo Clinic,2 rest is the most appropriate form of treatment to allow your brain to heal after a concussion. While physical rest is important, equally important is mental rest, meaning that victims should avoid activities that require significant mental exertion, such as schoolwork, video games, text messaging, or using computers. As a result of this mental rest requirement, people who sustain concussions are often required to miss a significant amount of work or school. In addition, victims are advised to get plenty of sleep and to return to normal activities gradually.
- Pain relievers – Many people who sustain a concussion have significant headaches for some time after the injury occurs. The Mayo Clinic recommends the use of drugs containing acetaminophen rather than aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
It is extremely important that people who suspect that they have sustained a concussion during sports or other physical activity do not return to the activity until they are cleared to so by a physician. Secondary concussions before the initial injury has completely resolved can cause extremely serious complications.
After a concussion-causing injury, victims should collect and record as much information about the incident as possible. This includes taking photographs of any hazardous condition that you believe may have caused your injury, getting contact information from anyone who may have seen your accident, requesting any official incident report that was generated regarding your accident, and obtaining any video of your accident that may exist. Finally, anyone who has sustained a concussion should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact one of the Clearwater TBI lawyers of the Dolman Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation
A concussion can require significant medical treatment and monitoring that may last for weeks, if not several months. In addition, treating a concussion often involves both physical and mental rest, meaning that victims may not be able to return to work for an extended period of time. Consequently, many individuals who sustain concussions incur significant medical expenses and also lose a substantial amount of income due to not being able to work. Fortunately, Florida law often allows people who sustain concussions because of the negligence of others to recover for these and the other losses that are a result of their injury. The Clearwater TBI lawyers of the Dolman Law Group are seasoned litigators who work hard to help their clients hold the people responsible for their injuries legally accountable. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call our office today at (727) 451-6900.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/
References:
1 http://www.biausa.org/about-brain-injury.htm
2 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/basics/treatment/con-20019272
