Brain Injury Claim Solicitors - Severe TBI
In a severe traumatic brain injury, there is almost always a period of loss of consciousness or a coma that lasts up to several weeks. Some can result in swelling of the brain and death, while others remain in a coma for a period of time and then wake up. Upon wakening, there can be relatively few signs of brain injury or there can be a marked change in the behavior and functioning of the individual who suffered the trauma.
There are two states of being that can occur with a severe traumatic brain injury. This can include being in a coma, in which you are unaware of your surroundings and have your eyes closed. A coma lasts approximately a few days to up to four weeks. In a vegetative state, the individual has a sleep/wake cycle, can have their eyes open but are completely unaware of your surroundings or environment. A persistent vegetative state is one in which the person is vegetative at least a year or more after the brain injury or three to six months after a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in which there is a lack of oxygenation to the brain for a period of time.
In a minimally conscious state, the person shows minimal evidence of awareness of the environment. They may respond to simple commands and make gestures indicating yes or no. They may even be able to say a few intelligible words. The difference between a minimally conscious state and a vegetative state is that those in a minimally conscious state have some awareness of their environment.
Brain injury claim solicitors deal with applications for awards of damages for personal injury. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. We do not ask you to fund or finance the claim as it proceeds. If you would like free legal advice with no further obligation just call the helpline, email our offices or use the contact form.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 339 958
^^ back to the topThe Glasgow Coma Scale
A score of less than eight is considered to be in a coma :-
- no eye opening
- to pain
- to speech
- spontaneous
- no verbal response
- incomprehensible sounds
- inappropriate words
- confused
- oriented
- no motor response
- extends in response to pain
- flexes in response to pain
- withdraws from pain
- responds purposefully to pain
- obeys commands
Best eye response (E)
Best verbal response (V)
Best motor response (M)
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 339 958
^^ back to the topSymptoms of a Severe Brain Injury
All severe brain injuries cause some degree of loss of consciousness or coma. Upon wakening, there can be cognitive deficits, including problems with attention, memory, confusion or impulsiveness. There can be difficulty understanding or speaking the spoken word. The sense of touch or temperature can be impaired. Perception can be impaired. There can be a partial or total loss of vision or blurry vision. Hearing can be affected and there can be persistent ringing in the ears. There can be a loss of taste or smell. Seizures are common as residual side effects of a traumatic brain injury.
Paralysis or spasticity can result from a severe traumatic brain injury as can chronic pain or bowel and bladder problems. Sleep can be difficult and the appetite can change. There can be difficulty regulating the body temperature. Social and emotional changes are common, including irritability, aggression, depression, denial and dependent behaviors.
Our brain injury claim solicitors also deal with applications for awards of damages for personal injury on the basis of miss-diagnosis by healthcare professionals which can cause a worsening of the initial problem.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 1800 339 958
^^ back to the topTreatment of Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
In the beginning, when the individual is comatose or vegetative, the treatment is supportive, trying to get them to keep their hands and feet becoming spastic. The person must be fed, often through a feeding tube that provides them with adequate nutrition and maintenance fluids. They are bathed and toileted in bed and are kept clean and safe until they wake up. Sometimes oxygen is required and medications for bowels, seizure medications and medications for stomach acid problems.
After the person awakens from their coma or vegetative state, the focus is on physical therapy and occupational therapy in an attempt to bring back some level of physical and emotional functioning again. Physical therapy can last a few weeks or several years as the person continues to progress in walking, talking and functioning in the world.
Brain Injury Claim Lawyers
Our brain injury claim solicitors deal with legal action for both personal injury using the no win no fee scheme. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. We do not ask you to fund or finance the claim as it proceeds. If you would like free legal advice with no further obligation just call the helpline, email our offices or use the contact form.