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Untreated traumatic brain injuries can lead to death

In some cases, it is obvious that a person who suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been hurt as soon as they’ve been assaulted, has been involved in an accident, etc. Whatever the case, the severity of the brain injury is immediately clear and it is obvious that medical treatment is required immediately.

But, there are other cases wherein people suffer a serious brain injury and either believe that it is minor or are unaware that they have sustained any injury at all. It can take time for symptoms to manifest. This is known as a lucid interval, when someone appears to be fine even though they have been injured. Days, weeks or months later, the real extent of those injuries could become clear.

An intracranial hematoma

One example of this phenomenon involves an intracranial hematoma, which occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. This burst releases blood into the brain tissue, building pressure on the brain cells around it.

This is a serious occurrence because it can lead to cellular death and may even become a fatal incident. In cases wherein the person survives, the increased pressure could still cause a variety of severe symptoms, including seizures or unconsciousness. If this happens weeks after the initial head injury, it may not even be clear to those around the individual what is happening at the time.

This is an example of a closed head injury, so there may not be very many external signs that something is going on. Delays in treatment can make the ramifications more severe and make it more likely that the person will pass away. In a situation like this, immediate medical care is necessary. Sometimes, surgeons will have to open the skull to remove the blood and release the pressure.

What are your options?

You may have grounds to file a wrongful death case if a loved one passes away due to a severe head or brain injury. Similarly, you may have grounds to file a personal injury case in the event that you experience a brain injury due to another’s actions or inactions. The above is just one example of how the stakes of brain injuries can escalate quietly in the aftermath of an accident or wrongdoing. If you’re dealing with this kind of trauma, make sure you know about all of your legal options after you have received necessary medical care.

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