Follow-up Care Can Improve Outcomes for TBI Sufferers

When the brain is disrupted inside of the skull and smashes against it, the brain can sustain trauma. Traumatic brain injuries can result from many life events, including sports injuries, violent events, or unintentional injury accidents like car accidents. In some situations, traumatic brain injuries have the potential to cause lifelong permanent harm. This is because recovery from brain injuries can vary depending on how extensive the damage is and where the damage is located. For example, according to the University of Alabama’s Heersink School of Medicine, a person that suffers a mild TBI may be able to recover the majority to all of their brain function in three months or less. By contrast, severe TBI may be unpredictable in terms of recovery time, and permanent long-term symptoms can persist.

Individuals that were in certain injury accidents and sustained a TBI may be able to recover compensation for their losses. Injury accidents that happen due to negligence may be compensable if they produce substantial injuries and other damages. In Florida, the Tampa brain injury attorneys at Fulgencio Law concentrate on helping victims that have suffered TBIs obtain the compensation they need for their harm. 

The Importance of Follow-Up Care for TBI Sufferers

There is intensive research revolving around traumatic brain injuries. Recent findings show that follow-up care is incredibly important for individuals to secure positive outcomes with their healing. The 2022 JAMA Network Open cited a study that included 991 patients who had the mildest form of TBI, the highest possible Glasgow Coma score, and negative CT scans who were released across 18 different emergency rooms. The results showed that at six months, 44% obtained functional recovery, while 56% had a recovery that was incomplete.

The study concluded that those that had follow-up care two weeks after their release from the emergency room had the best outcomes. Conversely, those that have incomplete recovery and who are not checked on two weeks after their emergency room release, and that do not receive the additional rehabilitation needed for better healing have poorer health outcomes. These individuals struggled and had more difficulties returning to the quality of life they had in their pre-injury life. For example, some of the issues that those with incomplete recovery dealt with included challenges with personal relationships and problems engaging in social activities 

The study emphasized the two-week interval check as a pivotal and crucial action for clinicians to help patients recover from TBI. As the study showed, patients who had incomplete recovery at two weeks and that did not have follow-up care also continued to have incomplete recovery at six months.

Speak with a Florida Brain Injury Attorney Today

TBI can cause severe life disruptions. Patients may require various forms of ongoing treatment to manage the condition and obtain the best results. Paying for such services can be costly, which is why patients that have a valid injury claim to make against a negligent party must get as much as possible from that claim. 

For help with a personal injury claim in Florida, the Tampa brain injury lawyers at Fulgencio Law welcome you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation at (813) 463-0123.