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How are TBIs detected?

On Behalf of | Aug 23, 2018 | Brain Injuries

As a previous post highlighted, a head trauma may not be obvious following an accident. In other words, it is possible to suffer a traumatic brain injury in a Virginia automobile crash without knowing it immediately. A TBI is a serious injury and could affect a victim for years to come. Because of this, it is important that accident victims are properly assessed and medically treated following an accident.

How are TBIs detected? Typically, TBI detection relies on a patient experiencing symptoms. This is often a serious headache, blurred vision, nausea and even light sensitivity. While the signs and symptoms of a patient could help detect a brain injury, the reality is that these symptoms may not show up for several hours or even several days. Thus, researchers have sought to uncover ways to determine right away if a victim of an accident has suffered a TBI.

Previously, a CT scan was needed to diagnose a patient with a traumatic brain injury. However, today, it might be possible to detect a brain injury with a blood test. The goal of this test is not only to establish whether or not an individual has suffered a brain injury, but also provide timely diagnosis and treatment. By reducing the time between injury and treatment, it is more likely that the patient will be able to recover completely or partially from a TBI.

The blood test is designed to detect the presence of two proteins. These proteins are present soon after the head suffers trauma. This is true in cases of mild, moderate and severe head traumas. When the blood test is conducted and the results are negative, it is likely that a person has not suffered a brain injury and a CT scan can be avoided.

Whether it is a brain injury or other serious injury, it is important that those involved in an accident understand their rights and options following such an incident. A severe injury could require a victim to undergo extensive medical treatment, resulting in much financial hardship. A personal injury action could be used to offset these losses while also holding a negligent party accountable for the damages suffered.

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