Mild TBI may go undetected; cause disorders

A large number of people suffer accidental injuries every year in Connecticut. Among all types of injuries, brain injury is regarded as the most serious injury. In several cases, mild brain injury goes unnoticed and produces severe consequences at a later stage.

According to a research study, CT scans may not be able to detect mild traumatic brain injury in certain cases. Failure to detect the injury may lead to long-term outcomes, including neurological disorders, prolonged illness or partial or permanent disability.

Reportedly, approximately 1.7 million people in America visit hospitals every year for acute head injuries and nearly 75 percent of them suffer mild traumatic brain injuries. Such mild injuries usually do not involve skull fractures, coma or severe bleeding in the brain and often go undetected and unnoticed.

Brain injuries commonly occur from road accidents, slip and fall accidents or workplace accidents. Many of these accidents are a result of human negligence. Reckless drivers may be involved in road accidents, which can cause a head injury. Similarly, poor maintenance and a dangerous condition of premises or property may lead to slip and fall accidents or a workplace injury, resulting in traumatic brain damage or injury.

Sometimes, a brain injury in these accidents goes unnoticed by doctors despite their best efforts and may cause serious problems in the future. A neurological problem resulting from such injuries may cause permanent physical disability. It may not only cause physical and mental pain and suffering to victims but may also leave them and their families in big financial distress. The situation becomes even worse when the victim of a brain injury is the sole income earner of the family.

Those who suffer brain injuries due to the negligence of someone else can seek financial relief by filing a personal injury civil suit. The victims or their familymay be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and permanent disability that may result from the accident. They may also seek compensation for mental anguish and pain and suffering.

Source: Medicalnewstoday.com, “MRIs Reveal Signs Of Brain Injuries Not Seen In CT Scans,” Dec. 27, 2012