New Blood Test Aims At Helping Victims With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can happen in a variety of different types of accidents. It occurs as a result of bumps and blows to the head or due to sudden and violent jolting or shaking motions, such as in car crashes. Even a seemingly minor brain injury has the potential to be life-threatening and can result in permanent disabilities. However, symptoms are often subtle and TBI can be difficult to diagnose, which can cause sufferers to not get the medical care they need. A new blood test aims at making diagnosis easier and could have major impacts on TBI victims.
TBI Is One Of The Most Common Types of Personal Injuries
When it comes to personal injuries, traumatic brain injuries are among the most common and potentially dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, sending close to three million people to hospital emergency rooms each year.
Head injuries happen frequently as a result of car, bike, and pedestrian accidents, slips and falls, and due to getting struck by or against objects. They are also common when engaging in sports and recreational activities. As even a minor bump, blow, or jolt to the head has the potential to disrupt neural pathways in the brain, it is important to get medical care immediately any time a head or brain injury is suspected. Symptoms are often subtle and may include:
- Headaches;
- Dizziness;
- Disorientation;
- Difficult maintaining balance;
- Difficulty remembering details about the accident;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said.
New Blood Test Could Aid In Diagnosing Brain Injuries
A newly approved hand held medical device could represent a medical breakthrough in diagnosing people with traumatic brain injuries. According to a January 11, 2021 ABC News report, a company in the U.S. recently introduced the device, which uses a quick, 15 minute blood test to detect molecular signatures in the blood that indicate disruptions in the brain.
Previously, doctors relied on somewhat vague questionnaires in diagnosing brain injuries, which counted on injured patients to be aware of and self-report generally vague symptoms. The new blood test provides more concrete results and is expected to be of particular help to emergency room physicians, guiding them in which patients require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and other types of testing.
Getting a faster and more accurate diagnosis of TBI could save lives and helps to ensure brain injury sufferers get the medical care and treatment they need. Results could also be used in authorizing vital support services during the recovery period and may serve as evidence when filing a personal injury claim.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
When traumatic brain injuries happen, Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. help victims and their families get the compensation they need to cover medical costs and other expenses. To request a consultation, contact our Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys today.
Resource:
abcnews.go.com/Health/traumatic-brain-injury-test-game-changing-concussion-experts/story?id=75179824
