Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact to the head disrupts normal brain function. The severity of a TBI can range in severity and the effects can be long-lasting or life-threatening.

Among the most common causes of TBI are road traffic accident, violent assaults and falls from height or down stairs but injuries can also occur due to workplace incident such as being struck by moving objects, and incidents when playing sports. Regardless of how the injury occurs, early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention play an important role in reducing the damage and the prospects of recovery.

Immediate treatment

For moderate or severe TBI, immediate emergency treatment focuses on stabilising vital functions and preventing further injury. Paramedics and emergency doctors will use oxygen to improve blood supply to the brain and immobilise the head and neck to prevent additional trauma. These steps help guard against further secondary brain injuries that can occur in the minutes and hours after the initial trauma.

Paramedics that attend the initial scene of an injury and doctors at the hospital will assess the person's level of consciousness, often using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to guide initial evaluation. This examination helps give an indication of how serious the injury is, and can help direct the next steps in treatment. A scan can also be carried out to check for life-threatening problems  like bleeding in the brain. Together, the GCS evaluation and imaging results help doctors to diagnose the severity of a brain injury and make further treatment decisions.

If the brain has suffered serious damage, urgent surgery might be necessary. This could involve removing pooled blood (haematomas), repairing skull fractures, or even temporarily opening part of the skull to relieve pressure inside. The goal of surgery is to prevent  further damage and stabilise the brain. The medical team will also use medication and careful monitoring to control issues like brain swelling or seizures.

Rehabilitation

Once the immediate dangers of a traumatic brain injury have been managed and the injured person is in a more stable position, the focus can shift towards rehabilitation. This phase is where the work begins to regain any lost skills and improve the function of the brain following injury. Through rehabilitation, a person can learn to adapt to any lasting changes and consequences caused by their brain injury. The aim now is to recover as much mobility, cognitive function and independence as possible.

For many people with moderate to severe TBI, this process starts in hospital, before continuing in a specialised inpatient rehabilitation unit. Many specialists may be involved in this process, from occupational therapists and physiotherapists, to speech therapists and psychiatrists.

Recovering at home

Rehabilitation often continues when a person is discharged from hospital. Therapists can help people practise skills and tasks or learn to use adaptive tools, enabling them to adjust to homelife and preparing them for the possibility of going back to work.

Support groups also help by providing emotional support and coping strategies for the stress of a life-changing injury. This can also extend to family education, to help loved ones understand how to support someone with a brain injury. Many people with TBI experience anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Psychology treatment  can help with coping strategies, and doctors may prescribe medications to assist with managing a variety of symptoms.

Long-term challenges and support

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is often a long and complex process. While some people regain brain function over time, others may experience lasting effects due to the severity of the damage to the brain.

In cases of mild traumatic brain injury, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating may persist for an extended period but respond well to therapy and medications. 

Those with a moderate and severe TBI, on the other hand, may require long term rehabilitation to manage lasting cognitive and physical impairments. 

One significant issue for people recovering from a TBI is dealing with workplace challenges. Occupational and specialist vocational therapy can play a lead role in helping people develop coping strategies to manage how they can successfully return to work. Occupational therapists often work closely with employers to make necessary adjustments, such as flexible hours or modified duties, to support people as they reintegrate into their professional lives.

Speech and language therapy, physical rehabilitation and psychological support can all contribute to helping people adapt to new realities. Support networks, including family members and specialised care teams, are essential in improving wellbeing. The aim is to create the best possible quality of life for those living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury.

Making a Claim for traumatic brain injury compensation

If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. A successful claim will help you cover the costs associated with your injury, such as loss of income, support and care, rehabilitation and therapies, aids and equipment and adaptations to your home It can also provide compensation for the pain, suffering and reduced quality of life you have experienced. 

Switalskis' specialist brain injury team understands that the prospect of legal action can feel daunting. Our solicitors offer compassionate expert guidance to ease that burden. We can handle the process from start to finish – gathering evidence (medical records, witness statements, expert opinions) and dealing with the responsible party or their insurers - so you can focus on recovery, supported in this by the legal process.

Call Switalskis today to talk about your situation on 0800 138 0458 , or get in touch through our website .