How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Tested and Treated?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that causes long-term disability or death. TBIs often result from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults, and can significantly affect a person’s ability to work, interact with others, and care for themselves. In Illinois and across the country, diagnosing and treating a TBI promptly and properly is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring the injured party receives appropriate care, and, if necessary, legal compensation.

This blog explores how TBIs are tested and treated in the medical field, with references to modern diagnostic tools, treatment options, and legal implications for victims.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This may result from a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. The CDC classifies TBIs into three main categories:

Mild TBI or concussion: Temporary disruption of brain function, often without loss of consciousness.
Moderate TBI: May involve a longer period of unconsciousness or confusion, and has a higher risk of long-term impairment.
Severe TBI: Can involve prolonged unconsciousness or coma, with significant and lasting cognitive, emotional, or physical deficits.

According to the CDC, there were over 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations and 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the U.S. in 2021.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

In Illinois, as in many states, TBIs often result from:

Motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses)
Slip and fall incidents, especially among the elderly
Workplace accidents, particularly in construction or manufacturing
Assaults and violence
Sports and recreational injuries

In cases where the TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a reckless driver or negligent property owner, a personal injury claim may be warranted.

How Are TBIs Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury involves multiple steps, starting with an assessment of the injury and moving into imaging and neurological evaluations. Here’s how physicians typically test for TBIs:

Initial Evaluation and History

Emergency medical providers begin by taking a full account of:

The mechanism of injury
Loss of consciousness (if any)
Patient symptoms such as confusion, nausea, or headache
Observable signs such as bleeding, bruising, or altered speech

Medical professionals often use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a standardized tool that measures a person’s level of consciousness by scoring verbal, motor, and eye responses. A score of 13–15 indicates a mild TBI, 9–12 a moderate TBI, and 8 or below a severe TBI.

Imaging Tests

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A CT scan is often the first imaging test used in emergency settings. It quickly reveals bleeding, swelling, fractures, or bruising in the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRIs offer more detailed images than CT scans, especially for detecting subtle injuries or injuries in the soft tissue of the brain. They are often used when symptoms persist or worsen.

Advanced Imaging (fMRI, DTI, PET scans)

For persistent symptoms, specialists may use functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, or positron emission tomography (PET) to detect microscopic brain damage or evaluate brain function.

Neuropsychological Testing

These assessments are used to evaluate how the brain injury affects cognitive function, memory, concentration, reasoning, and emotional regulation. They are especially valuable in diagnosing post-concussion syndrome or mild TBIs, which may not show up clearly on imaging.

Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The symptoms of TBI vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common indicators include:

Headaches
Confusion or memory loss
Dizziness or balance issues
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Mood changes or irritability
Sleep disturbances
Loss of coordination or muscle control

Even mild TBIs can result in long-term complications if left untreated.

How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Treated?

The treatment of TBIs depends heavily on the type and severity of the injury. Treatment can be divided into acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term management.

Emergency Care

In moderate to severe TBIs, immediate medical intervention is crucial to reduce further damage. Emergency care may include:

Medications to reduce swelling or prevent seizures
Surgery to remove blood clots or relieve intracranial pressure
Mechanical ventilation if the patient cannot breathe independently

In cases of a skull fracture, neurosurgery may be necessary to repair the damage and protect the brain from infection or further trauma.

Rehabilitation

Once a patient is stabilized, rehab begins. This may include:

Physical therapy: Helps regain movement, coordination, and strength
Occupational therapy: Teaches daily living skills
Speech and language therapy: For communication or swallowing difficulties
Neuropsychological therapy: Focuses on cognitive function and emotional support

Rehabilitation may take months or even years, especially for severe TBIs.

Medications and Psychotherapy

Some patients may require:

Antidepressants or antipsychotics for mood disorders
Pain relievers for chronic headaches
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD

Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many TBI survivors face long-term or permanent impairments, such as:

Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Mood disorders like depression or anxiety
Personality changes
Physical disabilities (e.g., paralysis or tremors)
Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) [4]

These effects can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to return to work or school.

Legal Considerations: TBIs and Personal Injury Claims

When a TBI results from another party’s negligence, whether from a car accident, slip and fall, defective product, or medical malpractice, the injured party may be eligible for compensation. In Illinois, a personal injury claim may include:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases of catastrophic injury, compensation can also include the cost of long-term care, home modifications, or assistive devices.

The statute of limitations in Illinois for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury, but it can vary depending on the circumstances. It’s crucial to speak with a Naperville personal injury attorney familiar with TBI cases to ensure your rights are protected.

Tips for TBI Victims and Families

Seek immediate medical attention after any head trauma.
Document all symptoms and keep medical records organized.
Follow all treatment and therapy plans carefully.
Do not settle with an insurance company without legal advice.
Consult a personal injury lawyer experienced in brain injury litigation.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Brain Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how life-altering a traumatic brain injury can be. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Our experienced Naperville traumatic brain injury attorneys are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We will work with medical experts, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and advocate on your behalf every step of the way.