If you or a loved one suffered an artery impingement that led to an acquired brain injury, our attorneys at Newsome | Melton can help. When arteries suffer damage, they can no longer carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. As a result, the brain cannot function properly. Within minutes, neural cells begin to die, and brain damage occurs. Below, we discuss the causes and effects of artery impingement acquired brain injury (ABI).
What Causes Artery Impingement Acquired Brain Injury?
There are a number of ways vascular trauma can occur. Often, it is the result of an accident or act of physical violence. Almost any type of blunt force injury to the neck can cause damage to the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Some of the most common causes of artery impingement that lead to an ABI include:
- Injuries caused by a seat belt during a car accident
- Injuries caused by slamming against interior surfaces during a car accident
- Sudden deceleration in a crash that causes whiplash or other neck injuries
- A fall from a great height
- Sports or recreational accidents
- Strangulation during a violent attack
- Shots, stabs, or other penetrating wounds to the neck
- Almost any type of accident where a neck injury is possible
Any injury to the neck severe enough to impinge or damage the arteries can lead to an ABI. Getting emergency medical care as soon as possible is the key to restoring proper blood flow and minimizing brain damage.
ABIs Affects Every Brain Differently
No two brain injuries are the same. When someone suffers a vascular trauma, it is impossible to know exactly what areas of the brain might be affected or what impairments it could cause. Some of the most common ways an artery impingement acquired brain injury can affect someone include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of speech
- Loss of everyday skills necessary for self-care
- Disorientation and confusion
- Impaired concentration and focus
- Slowed reaction time
- Memory deficits
- Severe fatigue and decreased ability to stay awake, insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Problems with dizziness and balance
- Headaches
- Double vision
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of sense of smell
- Ringing in the ears, deafness, other sensory changes
- Emotional and behavioral changes
- Personality changes
- Epilepsy and seizures
Many people who suffer from an ABI, no matter how minor, require some type of therapy to overcome their impairments. Common therapies, offered either during inpatient rehabilitation or on an outpatient basis, include:
- Speech
- Physical
- Cognitive
- Occupational
Victims of ABI Often Require Rehabilitation and Ongoing Care
Brain injuries can vary in severity. Every ABI is either mild, moderate, or severe, diagnosed by way of the Glasgow Coma Scale. The length of time a patient remains unconscious is an important factor in rating the severity of a brain injury. It is important to note that, while the severity of the injury determines the length of the recovery process, some people with mild brain injuries still suffer lasting impairments. Meanwhile, others with more severe injuries may recover fully.
Mild ABIs
Those with a mild ABI may not lose consciousness or only lose consciousness for a few minutes. In such an instance, blood flow to the brain is unlikely to be severely compromised. Mild ABIs may only require a short period of physical rehabilitation. Most people with such injuries recover enough to return to work within a few weeks.
Moderate ABIs
A moderate ABI causes the person to lose consciousness for a few minutes to a few hours. Quick thinking on the part of witnesses and quick actions by first responders can help limit brain damage. Those with moderate ABIs may require a short stay in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Alternatively, they may need outpatient therapy to help them overcome or adapt to impairments.
Severe ABIs
A severe ABI can be life-threatening. Catastrophic outcomes are certainly possible. The loss of consciousness can last a day or up to several months. Some people never fully regain consciousness and require around-the-clock care for the rest of their lives. Those who do wake up may spend several months in an inpatient rehabilitation program to regain their strength and relearn the basic concepts of self-care.
Recovering Compensation From an Artery Impingement and ABI Incident
Almost any type of accident that causes artery impingement and an ABI can result from negligence. If you or a member of your family suffered an artery impingement acquired brain injury because of a neck injury, the brain injury lawyers from Newsome | Melton will review your case for you. We can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call our team today at (800) 917-5888 and let us go to work for you.