Ottawa Injury Lawyer: Treating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you or someone you know has suffered a serious Ottawa head injury — whether due to a car accident, a bad fall, or another type of accident — you might be familiar with the term traumatic brain injury (TBI). Typically caused by a severe blow to the head, TBI can range in severity from mild to critical, and can have many different symptoms. Because it is an injury that affects the brain, the repercussions can be both physical and mental or cognitive.
Treatment: What Are My Options?
TBI is a complicated injury, which means there are several different stages and options when it comes to treatment.
1. Initial treatment
Initial treatment of TBI occurs when the patient is first admitted to a hospital or examined by a doctor. It is important that treatment begins immediately, in order to minimize the potential brain damage caused by the injury. At this stage, doctors work to stabilize the patient and may do one or more of the following:
- unblock airways and ensure proper oxygen flow to the brain
- treat open wounds and/or give antibiotics to prevent infection
- order an MRI or CT scan to help determine the extent of the injury
- perform surgery to reduce brain swelling or remove broken skull fragments
2. Rehabilitation
Rehabilitative treatment may take place at a specialized centre or even at the patient’s home. Its purpose is to help patients regain lost brain-related functions or abilities, as well as prevent further complications.
The nature of the rehabilitative treatment will depend on the patient’s individual needs and the extent of his injuries. Some components of rehabilitation may include the following:
- Language or speech therapy, which helps the patient work on his ability to talk and communicate.
- Physical therapy, which works on issues related to balance, strength, movement, and coordination.
- Occupational therapy, which relates to day-to-day living skills and can include things as basic as dressing, hygiene, or cooking.
Rehabilitation often also provides social and psychological support to the patient’s family, as they work through a difficult time of transition.
If you or someone you know has suffered from TBI as a result of an accident, it is important to consult a good personal injury lawyer who can help you deal with the legal implications of your accident. To speak with an Ottawa personal injury lawyer at Auger Hollingsworth, please call us at +1 (613) 233-4529, email us at [email protected], or use our contact form.
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