new bedford brain injury attorney
Every year in America, one million people suffer blows to the head. 50,000-100, 000 of these people will have long-term problems that will not only affect their ability to go back to work but will also affect their daily lives. A majority of car accident victims suffer from head injuries. It’s important to note that you do not have to over speed to get a head injury and you not need to hit your head on an object to have a brain injury. You can get a head injury while driving at a moderate speed.

The good news is that you can use these prevention tips to reduce your chances of getting a brain injury:

How to Prevent Brain Injuries

Seat Belts and Airbags

Always put on your seatbelt while driving. If you are driving with a small child, they should always sit in the back seat and be secured in a child safety seat. You can also install booster seats in your car that are suitable for their size and weight.

Alcohol and Drug Use

You should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This also includes prescription medications known to cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive.

Helmets

You should wear a helmet while riding a snowmobile, motorcycle, skateboard or a bicycle. Yu should also wear protective headgear while riding horses, playing contact sports, skiing, playing baseball or snowboarding.

Prevent Falls

The following tips should be used to prevent falls around your home:

  • Clear all clutter from your floors and the stairs.
  • Install proper lighting. Don’t use dim lights in areas where you are likely to fall and trip.
  • Your staircases should have handrails installed on them
  • Remve area rugs
  • Put a non-slip mat in the shower or bathtub

Treatment and Drugs for Brain Injuries

Mild Injury

For a mild traumatic brain injury, you might not need emergency care. The problem usually goes away on its own after taking over the counter drugs for headaches and getting plenty of rest. However, you will need to be monitored very closely. Your doctor might recommend that you have someone at home to monitor your progress. Your doctor may also recommend follow up appointments.

Your doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal routine. You should avoid strenuous physical or cognitive activities until your symptoms have resolved.

Medication

Diuretics

You might receive diuretics intravenously to help reduce the pressure inside your brain. They work by increasing urine output and reducing the amount of fluid in tissues.

Anti-Seizure Drugs

If your brain injury was mild to severe, there is a risk that you might suffer from seizures during the first week after your injury. You may be given anti-seizure drugs during the first week to prevent your brain from further damage which might happen if you get a seizure. You will be given additional drugs only if your seizures occur again.

Coma Inducing Drugs

Your doctor might induce a temporary coma by giving you coma inducing drugs. When your brain is in comatose mode, it can function on less oxygen. This can be especially useful if the blood vessels that supply oxygen to your brain are compressed so they are unable to supply the right amount of nutrients and oxygen to your brain.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to:

Remove clotted blood. Clotted blood outside or within the brain creates a lot of pressure that eventually damages the brain.

Repair Skull Fracture

You might need surgery to remove pieces of skull from the brain or to repair a severe skull fracture.

Open a Window in the Skull

You might have swollen tissues or accumulated spinal fluid in your skull. Surgery may be used to relieve pressure inside the skull to create more room for the swollen tissue or to drain accumulated spinal fluid.

Rehabilitation

If your brain injury is significant, you will need rehabilitation. You might have to learn basic skills like talking or walking. The duration and the type of rehabilitation that you will get will depend on the severity of your injuries. Some of the rehabilitation specialists you will meet include:

  • Occupational therapist
  • Physiatrist
  • Physical therapist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Speech and language pathologist
  • Vocational counselor
  • Recreational therapist
  • Rehabilitation nurse
  • Social worker or case manager

Talk to a New Bedford Brain Injury Attorney

If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury in New Bedford, MA, we are here to help.  New Bedford brain injury attorney from Kevin P Landry Law Offices can get you the justice you deserve. Call us today at 508-999-0800 or visit our offices today for a free initial consultation.