A car accident is scary for many reasons, including the fact that it can result in a variety of injuries.
A traumatic brain injury, for example, requires immediate treatment. If not treated in the appropriate manner, it can lead to long-term damage and even death.
Upon arriving at the scene of the accident, paramedics will stabilize your health to the best of their ability. They’ll then transport you to a local hospital for more advanced treatment.
Your medical team is likely to order two tests:
- CT scan: If you have a suspected brain injury, a CT scan is used to pinpoint fractures, bruises, bleeding and blood clots.
- MRI: While a CT scan is typically ordered first, your doctor may request an MRI for a more detailed view of the brain.
What type of treatment is best?
The type of treatment you receive for a traumatic brain injury depends largely on the severity. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Emergency care: Regardless of the type of injury, emergency care is a must. This is all about maintaining an adequate blood supply, maintaining blood pressure and ensuring that you’re getting enough oxygen. If these things aren’t done in a timely manner, additional damage is more likely.
- Mild injury: For example, a concussion is considered a mild brain injury. It typically requires rest and pain medication to make a full recovery. However, it’s important to note that a mild injury can take a turn for the worse, so proper monitoring of symptoms is a must.
- Severe traumatic brain injury: This can include everything from bleeding on the brain to a skull fracture. Once your doctors pinpoint your specific injuries, they’ll implement a treatment plan to give you the best chance of making a recovery. For example, a skull fracture may require immediate surgery.
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, don’t wait to call 911. You want paramedics and police to arrive at the scene as quickly as possible.
After you receive treatment and understand your prognosis, contact your insurance agent and collect additional information on how to hold the negligent party responsible.
Visit our website for more information on your legal rights in Ohio after suffering an injury in a motor vehicle accident.