California Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney.

At Arellanez Legal we have the experience to handle Traumatic Brain Injury ("TBI") cases.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes ("NINDS") "TBI's can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body [(e.g. concussions)], or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain." TBI's are serious and can impact every aspect of your life.

TBI's Are A Serious Public Health Problem.

The National Conference of State Legislatures reports, TBI's are "...a serious public health problem, with 2.8 million new TBIs each year leading to more than 2.5 million emergency department visits, 282,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths."  NINDS recommends that you seek immediate medical attention within 24 hours if you experience any physical, cognitive/behavioral, or sensory symptoms associated with a TBI.

TBI Signs And Symptoms.

If you need medical attention following an accident do not hesitate to call 911.  It is one of the recommended steps you should take following an accident (Learn More.). Inform the first responders and your treating physician of any issues you have and/or continue to experience.  The most minor complaint might lead to a TBI diagnosis. What type of signs and symptoms might you experience? According to NINDS the following are signs and symptoms of a TBI:

Physical

1. 1. headache;
   2. convulsions or seizures;
   3. blurred or double vision;
   4. unequal eye pupil size or dilation;
   5. clear fluids draining from the nose or ears;
   6. nausea and vomiting; and
   7. new neurologic deficit, i.e., slurred speech; weakness of arms, legs, or face; loss of balance.

Cognitive/behavioral

1. 1. loss of or change in consciousness anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours;
   2. decreased level of consciousness, i.e., hard to awaken;
   3. mild to profound confusion or disorientation;
   4. problems remembering, concentrating, or making decisions;
   5. changes in sleep patterns (e.g., sleeping more, difficulty falling or staying asleep); inability to waken from sleep; and
   6. frustration, irritability.

Perception/sensation

1. 1. light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance or coordination;
   2. blurred vision;
   3. hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears;
   4. bad taste in the mouth;
   5. sensitivity to light or sound;
   6. mood changes or swings, agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior;
   7. feeling anxious or depressed; and
   8. fatigue or drowsiness; a lack of energy or motivation.

NINDS further states that "[h]eadache, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue tend to start immediately after an injury, but resolve over time. Emotional symptoms such as frustration and irritability tend to develop during recovery."

Seek Early Medical Diagnosis And Treatment For A TBI.

Early diagnose of an TBI provides a baseline for determining any decline or issues related to your physical, cognitive/behavioral, and sensory well-being. Your treating physician may need to monitor you for bruising, bleeding, swelling or shifting of the brain.

How Are TBI's Diagnosed?

TBI's can be diagnosed by a qualified treating physician performing an assessment, through diagnostic imaging (e.g. CT's, MRI's, etc.) and neurological tests. As stated above, early detection is important as some signs and symptoms can resolve over time which will mask the presence of a TBI.

TBI Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation may include treatment by neurologists, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, as well as physical, occupational, vocational, speech, and respiratory therapists.

According to NINDS, "Therapy is aimed at improving the person's ability to handle activities of daily living and to address cognitive, physical, occupational, and emotional difficulties. Treatment may be needed only short-term or throughout a person's life."

TBI Injuries In California.

A study conducted by BMJ Open reviewed 1.2 million adult patients diagnosed with TBI's between 2005 and 2014. The report found:

1. Emergency department visits for TBI increased by 57.7%;
2. 40.5% of patients revisited the emergency department within the first year; and
3. 4% of all revisits resulted in re-hospitalization

This data clearly shows that TBI's are a serious health problem.

TBI Common Causes.

Some of more common causes of TBI's include:

1. Motor Vehicle accidents;
2. Motorcycle Accidents;
3. Slip and fall accidents;
4. Being hit by falling objects;
5. Physical assault;
6. Blast injuries from explosions;
7. Medical malpractice; and
8. Sports injuries.

Contact A California TBI Attorney.

It's very important to discuss your case with a qualified attorney. At Arellanez Legal our nurse-paralegals work with Michael Arellanez to review your medical records to obtain favorable outcomes for TBI cases.  Do not hesitate to contact Arellanez Legal by calling (951)888-2464 for a free consultation or by providing a date and time that will work for you via our easy-to-use contact page..