What Is TBI Protocol?

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A traumatic brain injury protocol is the in-depth analysis and information provided to patients on different aspects of a TBI, which can include: the introduction to TBI, patient care parameters and management, and nursing and neurosurgery care. Traumatic brain injuries can vary greatly in severity and associated implications. These brain injuries affect the brain’s activity and can be short-lasting or long-lasting depending on different areas of injury. Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death in the USA and affects many lives. People 75 years of age and older had the highest number of deaths and hospitalizations due to TBI. Some patients recover in days, some might take years to heal, and a few TBI victims will suffer from lifelong ramifications.

Primary brain injuries occur due to immediate head trauma after various blunt-force traumas. Secondary brain injuries occur after a few days to weeks following the primary brain trauma. Secondary brain injury follows primary brain injury and is one of the leading causes of brain death and permanent brain damage. The following groups of people are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries:

  •   Athletes
  •   Truck drivers
  •   Pedestrians and passengers injured in a car crash
  •   Industrial workers
  •   Survivors of physical abuse

Three Classifications of TBI

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

These traumatic brain injuries include minor brain injuries. These brain injuries are more common in mild car accidents and blunt traumas, but may also occur due to falls. These are often treatable. The death rate due to these is almost zero. The most common type of mild brain injury is concussions.

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Moderate TBis are more severe than mild TBI. They can include penetrating brain injuries from gunshots or car accidents. The patients often lose consciousness lasting up to 24 hours. The patient may face lasting physical and mental effects.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

These traumatic brain injuries may result in severe symptoms like vertigo and seizures. The patient usually suffers from amnesia following the trauma.

Two Main Types of TBI

There are two main categories into which brain injuries can be divided:

Closed Brain Injuries

These brain injuries often occur as internal injuries in the skull. These injuries are often complex, as they are not visually detectable from the outside and are difficult to treat. These injuries often damage the brain and its tissues, causing different types of sensory and motor loss in the victim.

Open or Penetrating Brain Injuries

Open or penetrating brain injuries occur when something pierces through the skull, damaging the brain tissue. Skull fractures are also included in open brain injuries. These are often fatal, as any sharp object can damage the important areas of the brain. They are also common in homicides from knife or gunshot wounds.

Common Signs of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries often depend on the type of injury. Mild brain injuries cause very mild symptoms that may last only a few minutes following the incident. Traumatic brain injuries, no matter the severity, often present with similar symptoms, including:

  •   Dizziness
  •   Fatigue
  •   Mood swings and depression
  •   Nausea and vomiting
  •   Slurred speech
  •   Loss of balance
  •   Ringing in ears
  •   Unable to focus
  •   Mental confusion

What Is The TBI Protocol Exactly?

All traumatic brain injuries are dangerous and can prove fatal. A person who is suffering from traumatic brain injuries should make sure to get immediate medical help. Diagnosing traumatic brain injuries can be complex. Delaying medical help can become more dangerous as the injury becomes more serious. They are considered medical emergencies. Some symptoms must be dealt with as soon as possible if they can result in permanent damage and irreversible effects.

Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury

In the TBI protocol, after seeking medical help, diagnosing the problem is the immediate second step. The diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury often depends on how severe the symptoms are. Doctors diagnose patients based on their symptoms and varying medical tests. The most common of these medical tests include:

Neurological Evaluation

The doctor evaluates the whole neurological system of the patient to diagnose what part of the brain might be damaged following the trauma. They perform different tests for different brain parts and check whether the patient can perform them.

CT Scan

CT scan helps the doctor check whether there is any brain bleeding or inflammation. These are more common in closed brain injuries, as the shock may cause the brain to jolt in the cavity, causing it to swell and bleed. Hematomas are common in both open and closed brain injuries. CT scans are often important for these injuries. TBI may lead to silent death if not diagnosed at the proper time

Medical Resonance Imaging

MRIs are painless scans used to create clear visual images of the brain and structures present within the body. CT scans are also very commonly advised after a traumatic brain injury. They are also important in diagnosing closed traumatic brain injuries.

What Is the Procedure for Treating Tbi?

After the victim has been diagnosed, treatment is followed according to the TBI protocol. The treatment depends on what kind of traumatic brain injury the victim suffers. Mild traumatic brain injuries often do not require intensive treatment as the patient may recover shortly after the incident. The moderate and severe treatment types are usually specific for each patient. And in severe TBI, the patient has to receive immediate treatment following the injury, or it may cost them their life.

Medications

Medications are often prescribed for moderate to mild TBI. The patient is often advised to take their medication on time. In severe TBI, the patient is always prescribed medications following their injury to keep the post-complications of TBI to a minimum.

Surgery

Severe closed types of TBI and all kinds of penetrating brain traumas require surgery. These surgeries are done to drain the fluid or blood, remove the penetrating object from the skull, and suture skull fractures.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is prescribed in the majority of cases of traumatic brain injury. Rehab centers are structured to help victims with their ongoing treatments. They focus on the physical and mental health of the patients. They have specialized health officers to help the patient focus on their recovery, mental health, and diet. These specialized professionals include:

  •   Therapist
  •   Neurologists
  •   Doctor of physical therapy
  •   Nurses
  •   Nutritionists

Victims who are suffering from paralysis after their trauma are treated here with regular physical therapy and psychological therapy. Therapy helps all victims deal with their trauma so they can heal mentally and return to their normal lives. Another importance of a therapy is to help the patients facing mental complications following the trauma, like cognitive disabilities and lack of focus.

Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury

When someone experiences a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, the effects can be long-lasting and life-altering. The injury can result in temporary or permanent brain damage, leading to a range of consequences that affect the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.These consequences can include:

  •   Paralysis
  •   Seizures and epilepsy
  •   Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  •   Patients are more prone to having Alzheimer’s and dementia

The consequences of traumatic brain injury are far-reaching and can impact many aspects of the patient’s life. It is crucial to seek appropriate medical attention and ongoing support to manage the physical, emotional, and cognitive effects of the injury and to optimize the patient’s recovery and well-being.

Tatum & Atkinson “The Heavy Hitters” Understand TBI Protocol

A brain injury, sometimes called a concussion, brain damage, head trauma, or traumatic brain injury, can have devastating effects, particularly in children. They frequently cause victims’ and their families great physical, psychological, and financial suffering. If you or your loved one suffered brain damage because of someone else’s carelessness, you’d need assistance to obtain the compensation you need to effectively manage the associated symptoms.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury, contact our law firm as soon as possible. Our highly trained traumatic brain injury attorneys will assist you so that you can rest assured that your rights are protected. Generally speaking, traumatic brain injuries are complex and can be difficult to prove in court, but our experienced brain injury lawyers are determined to work passionately for your claim so that you may obtain the best outcome. We can assist you by:

  • Providing you with top-notch legal advice
  • Investigating your case thoroughly ensuring no evidence is left behind
  • Managing all of your paperwork
  • Making sure you’re aware of all laws related to your case
  • Negotiating with the insurance companies for you and ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve
  • Preparing and filing a lawsuit when necessary

The complex brain injury cases that Tatum and Atkinson Attorneys’ traumatic brain injury attorneys have successfully resolved span decades.. Do not be reluctant to get in touch with Tatum & Atkinson, “the Heavy Hitters,” a prominent North Carolina traumatic brain injury law firm, for a free consultation. Call (800) 529-0804 or send us a message online to set up your private case review right away.