Sustaining a direct blow to the head or being violently shaken can often times be characterized as a person just “getting their bell rung” or “seeing stars”. However, for the millions of people within the United States who account for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, they realize how serious a hit to the head can be. The effects of TBI’s can be debilitating which is why proper diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage from occurring.
Initial evaluation of patients by healthcare professionals often involves questions regarding how the injury occurred, an assessment of consciousness and confusion, and a neurological examination. However, based off of the initial evaluation and the severity of symptoms, brain imaging with computed tomography (CT) may be required to determine if there’s bleeding or swelling in the brain.
Up until this point, there has not been a simple test available to determine by objective means if an actual concussion has been incurred by injury. However, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adults called the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator .
The test provides a quick and accurate reading to patients while also limiting the amount of neuroimaging and associated radiation exposure to patients. In fact, according to The FDA, health care providers can use the Brain Trauma Indicator to rule out the need for a CT scan in at least one-third of patients who are suspected of having mTBI.
To read more about this new test, click here.
At Henson Fuerst, we understand how detrimental a TBI can be and realize that no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of brain function. Our goal is to help our clients regain as much of their lives as possible after an accident.
If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident that was not your fault, call the experienced Brain Injury Attorneys at Henson Fuerst at 919-781-1107.
Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters.
