Injury Treatments & Rehabilitation
A serious brain or spinal cord injury can be devastating physically and emotionally, and potentially require a lifetime of treatment and rehabilitation. The attorneys at Dean Standish Perkins & Associates understand these challenges, and they offer compassionate legal representation to help victims recover from their injuries and obtain the care they need.
Appropriate treatment and rehabilitation efforts vary depending on the type of injury sustained:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Treatment And Rehabilitation
Treatment for catastrophic head injuries begins with emergency care at the scene of the accident. Once vital functions such as breathing, pulse and blood pressure have been stabilized, initial tests including X-rays and CT scans should be performed at a hospital to determine the full extent of the trauma to the brain. The patient will then typically receive intensive care or surgery designed to repair damage and minimize the likelihood of further harm. Neurologic and physical therapy will likely follow in order to stimulate nerve and brain function and keep the body from deteriorating due to prolonged inactivity during treatment.
The goal of rehabilitation for TBI is to restore as much function as possible. For traumatic brain injury victims, this will generally include recovering motor and cognitive function, as well as learning new ways to perform daily tasks. Rehabilitation will likely be overseen by a physiatrist specializing in diagnosis and treatment of pain related to TBI. Many TBI victims receive extensive physical and occupational therapy, and they may also have to participate in ongoing psychological and speech therapy depending on the scope and nature of their injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Treatment And Rehabilitation
Most spinal cord injuries are permanent, because nerve damage is currently irreversible. However, with the proper care, SCI victims can see some improvement, such as breathing independently, or being able to care for themselves without the assistance of others.
The goal of initial treatment, whether at the scene of the accident or in the emergency room, is to keep the patient alive. Special care must be taken when moving the victim to prevent further damage, and braces and other stabilizing devices are often used to keep SCI victims immobile during transport. Initial surgery will relieve pressure on the spinal cord, whether from bone fragments or tissue damage, and bone grafts or metal rods may be used at this time to reset the spine into place.
Following initial treatment and surgery, SCI patients are typically transferred to a facility specializing in rehabilitative care. As with TBI, SCI rehabilitation may last anywhere from weeks to months, and is usually overseen by a physiatrist. The goal of physical rehabilitation is to increase muscle strength and motor function, while occupational therapists will help with adjusting to the daily challenges of living with a spinal cord injury. Social workers and psychologists may also be called upon to provide assistance in coping with the emotional stress of spinal cord injuries.
Experienced TBI And SCI Attorneys In Issaquah, Washington
If you or someone you loved has suffered a debilitating head or neck injury due to someone else negligence, you are entitled to financial compensation. Our experienced and compassionate Issaquah personal injury attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve, and they have a wealth of resources and professional contacts that can help you get through this challenging time. In Issaquah, King County and throughout Washington state, contact Dean Standish Perkins & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.