Initial Treatment

Following a serious accident in which a victim has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), that victim should be transported to the nearest hospital emergency room. Emergency medical professionals will begin the initial treatment as soon as possible after the victim arrives at the hospital. The necessary initial treatment can vary widely from patient to patient depending on the severity of the injury, whether the injury was open or closed, whether the patient is conscious or unconscious, and similar factors.

Initial Treatment for Severe Brain Injuries

If a patient is unconscious and unstable, resuscitation may be needed to keep the victim alive. If emergency surgery is necessary to reduce brain pressure or remove an object from the brain, a team may be gathered consisting of a trauma surgeon, neurosurgeon, pediatric surgeon if the patient is a child, and others if there are additional injuries to be addressed during the procedure. If stabilization of the patient requires keeping them unconscious to regulate and reduce brain functioning, doctors may induce a coma by administering certain drugs. Initial treatment in serious TBI cases will focus on keeping the patient alive and stabilizing their condition before a prognosis can be made.

Initial Treatment for Mild or Moderate TBI

In cases of mild or moderate traumatic brain injuries, the victim generally only loses consciousness for a short period of time, if at all. By the time they arrive to the emergency room, they may be able to walk, communicate, and engage in other basic activities despite their brain injury. They may be starting to experience symptoms and effects of the injury, however, which can include the following:

Fatigue
Disorientation or confusion
Headache
Short-term memory loss
Anger or aggression

Medication can be used to initially control these symptoms while medical professionals monitor the patient’s vital signs, progress or regression, or response to any administered treatment.

Tests will be performed on the patient to determine the location and extent of the brain damage in order to predict and prevent any complications and to begin developing a longer-term treatment plan and prognosis. Throughout this time, nurses will continue to monitor a TBI patient for any change in vitals or symptoms.

Discuss Your Situation with a Skilled Baltimore and Washington D.C. Brain Injury Lawyer at The Casper Firm

Though the initial treatment of a traumatic brain injury may be extensive, the treatment for your TBI generally does not end there. If you have sustained a serious brain injury, you are likely facing months or even years of rehabilitative therapy, medications, psychological treatment, and more to both cope with your limitations and try to improve your condition. You may face physical, mental, and emotional challenges that may make it difficult to work, attend school, or engage in social situations. Any negligent party who contributed to or caused the accident that turned your life upside-down should be held responsible for your losses. An experienced brain injury attorney at The Casper Firm can help you financially recover for your losses, so please call today for a free consultation.