Symptoms and levels of brain injury can be weighed
For the purposes of medical examination, brain injuries are categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. When a patient is treated for a brain injury, doctors and emergency medics use the Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) to determine the level of severity. Similar in approach to the APGAR test given to newborn babies, the GCS is a score from 3 to 15 that measures eye-opening, motor skill control, and verbal/cognitive control on a point system. Non-response in all three areas scores 1 point, representing the most severe brain injury possible.
However, it is important to note that the initial GCS score does not predict the long-term outcome of the patient. A person whose score shows a mild brain injury may in fact be in grave danger if there is bleeding and/or swelling of the brain. On the other hand, someone with a low initial score may quickly recover. The score is only a guideline to determine what kind of immediate emergency care the patient needs.

Also note that the term “mild brain injury” is a relative term – all brain injuries are classified as a major.

Mild brain injury (GSC Score 13-15)

A mild brain injury is diagnosed after a head injury when the patient does not lose consciousness or loses it very briefly, and shows only temporary signs of confusion. There are many different symptoms including:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Balance problems
  • Memory problems
  • Fatigue

 

Moderate brain injury (GSC Score 9-12)

In a moderate brain injury, the patient loses consciousness for a few minutes to a few hours, and has confusion that lasts days or weeks. There may also be physical and mental injuries that are long-term or permanent, as well as a sudden change in behavior.

Symptoms are the same as mild brain injury, but are generally more severe.

Severe brain injury (GSC Score 3-8)

Severe brain injury is marked by a long period of unconsciousness, from days to months or longer. This level of injury is separated into subgroups including coma, vegetative state, and Locked-In Syndrome in which the patient only has control over eye movement.

Again, the severity of brain injury does not forecast the long-term recovery. Even a small “bump on the head” during a car accident or a fall can have severe effects later on. In some types of accidents, especially those resulting in neck strain or “whiplash” injuries, brain injury symptoms may not appear until the next day or even a week later. No matter how severe the head injury, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Explain every symptom as best as possible, and ensure that the doctor or medical professional notes exactly what happened.

If you have had an accident caused by the deliberate or negligent actions of another person, contact  a brain injury lawyer among the personal injury lawyers at Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case review. Brain injuries on average require a longer recovery time than any other type of injury, and in some cases may result in long-term medical bills and permanent loss of work. Jim S. Adler & Associates can help you gain the financial means you need so don’t need to worry about “making ends meet” and you can just focus on getting better. Contact us for a free case review of your accident by clicking the link on this page.
 

State Article - Brain Injury Lawyer

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