A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is every bit as serious as it sounds, with the most severe cases resulting in permanent disability or even death. But not every TBI is immediately obvious. If you’ve experienced a blow to the head, it’s critical to receive immediate medical care – even if you don’t instantly suspect a traumatic brain injury. The emergency treatment you receive will impact your ability to make a partial or even full recovery.
Examining the treatment process
Upon arriving at a hospital, your medical team will assess your situation, monitor your vital signs and make a quick determination as to the type of treatment you need to receive. Depending on the severity and type of injury, emergency surgery may be necessary. For example, it could be used to:
- Remove a blood clot
- Relieve pressure in the skull
- Repair a skull fracture
In the event of a severe blow to the head, bleeding is a strong possibility. This can result in large pools of clotted blood, which increases pressure in the skull and has the potential to damage brain tissue. With surgery, it’s possible for your doctor to remove the clot before it causes irreparable harm.
If you strike your head in any type of accident, such as a motor vehicle or bicycle crash, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Only an experienced and knowledgeable medical professional can assess your condition, provide a proper diagnosis and decide what to do next.
Once your health allows for it, focus your attention on the cause of the accident and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights. You even may be in line to seek compensation from the negligent party, which will help financially as you recover.