PREVENTION AFTER A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

May 20, 2016 | Sin categorizar

Statistics from the Oklahoma State Department of Health report that a total of 27,306 traumatic brain injuries occurred from 2004 to 2009, all of which were severe and required hospitalization or fatal. Individuals aged 65 and over and those between the ages of 15 and 24 experienced the highest rate of traumatic brain injury. Car accidents and falls made up the most common causes of the traumatic brain injuries, with falls being 37 percent of total cases and car accidents accounting for 23 percent of total cases reported.

Care After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Not only do the survivors of brain injury accidents suffer long-term consequences, but the families and friends of the survivor often find their lives taking a different course, as well. Short-term and long-term limitations and disabilities of the survivor often require rehabilitation or services from community-based agencies to recover self-care, motor skills, and job skills. Unfortunately, these services can be costly and often, it is difficult to find the resources required to help improve the survivor’s needs.

Prevention After a Traumatic Brain Injury

While it may seem that after the brain injury occurs, it is too late for prevention, the key to improvement and deterring regression is preventing further injury. There are several phases of prevention that can reduce the chances of further injuring the brain.
These phases are:

  • Phase 1 – Utilizing protective equipment, including safety belts in vehicles and helmets elsewhere. When certain activities are performed which require safety precautions, such as holding onto a handrail while maneuvering stairways, they should be used to prevent falls.
  • Phase 2 – Emergency medical care administered immediately if another head injury occurs.
  • Phase 3 – Continuous and proper medical care and follow-up for the brain injury, even if symptoms seem to be going away.
  • Phase 4 – Rehabilitation to help restore the survivor to the optimal level of ability, physically, cognitively, and behaviorally. The goal of rehabilitation should be to return the survivor to their home, employment, or school and for the survivor to be able to function in a similar manner to before the accident.
  • Phase 5 – Community services, including vocational rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, employment counseling, independent living or personal care assistance, special education, support groups, and other health services, should be sought and utilized in addition to the rehabilitation in Phase 4.

Contact A Legal Representative

Aftercare for a brain injury can become incredibly expensive. As such, if you are a loved one has been injured in a car accident and now you are suffering the aftermath of a brain injury, you should contact an Oklahoma car accident attorney who knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.