Whether in a car wreck or a slip-and-fall accident in Delaware or elsewhere, suffering a serious blow to the head can have lifelong consequences. Quickly treating traumatic brain injuries is often essential for heading off the worst possible outcomes, but getting a fast diagnosis is not always easy. A new test for diagnosing TBI patients may one day help improve victims’ outcomes.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a jolt, hit or blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. Concussions are one type of TBI. TBIs are not all that uncommon. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented more than 2.8 million emergency room visits, deaths and hospitalizations for TBIs. Symptoms of TBIs include:
- Headaches
- Double or blurry vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
Doctors currently have a few different options for evaluating and diagnosing TBIs. These include CT exams, screening questions and physical exams. However, experts note that these are not perfect diagnostic tools, so getting an objectively reliable TBI diagnosis is not always easy. A new blood test apparently detects TBIs in as few as 15 minutes and is supposed to be much more accurate. Since 50% of people with TBIs who report to the emergency room are not properly diagnosed, this new test may be sorely needed.
Getting the right diagnosis is just one step in getting the right help for traumatic brain injuries. It is also important to have the right financial support, as most victims deal with income loss and hefty medical bills. Victims in Delaware may want to explore their options for securing compensation for their damages, such as pursuing a personal injury claim.
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