Brain Stem Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And Compensation
When the brain stem suffers an injury, the results can be devastating. This is because the brain stem is home to the most crucial life functions. Brain stem injuries are particularly problematic because they can affect a victim’s quality of life and ability to work. A brain stem injury can result in issues such as a lack of motor function, hearing loss, and dizziness, with severe cases sometimes resulting in coma or paralysis. In some extreme cases, brain stem injuries can even result in death. Unfortunately, treating a brain stem injury can be quite expensive.
If you, one of your family members, a friend, or someone you know sustained a brain stem injury in an accident that could have been prevented, you might be eligible for compensation. Speak to a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
What Is the Brain Stem?
A human being’s brain stem is situated at the bottom of the skull, just above the spinal cord. This part of your brain is one of the most crucial regions of your brain. The brain stem is responsible for all the functions that keep you aware of your surroundings and alive. Some of the most crucial bodily functions that the brain stem controls include, but are not limited to;
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Hunger and thirst
- Sleeping
- Digestion of food
The brain stem consists of three sections;
- The pons
- The midbrain
- The medulla oblongata
Damage to the pons may result in problems with, among others, taste, bladder control, eye movement, posture, and equilibrium. Damage to the midbrain may cause problems with, among others, sleep, motor control, and vision. Lastly, damage to the medulla oblongata may result in problems with, among others, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Causes of Brain Stem Damage
A person may suffer a brain stem injury in a wide variety of accidents. Common accidents that can result in an individual sustaining a brain stem injury include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog attacks
- Construction site accidents
- Workplace accidents
Often, people sustain brain stem injuries after suffering severe trauma to the head. However, even a seemingly small bump can lead to a brain stem injury.
Regardless of what caused your brain stem injury or your loved one’s brain stem injury, you need to speak to an attorney about your legal rights if you believe another party’s negligence was involved. A qualified attorney can help you hold an at-fault party accountable and obtain damages in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Brain Stem Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of brain stem injuries vary widely. However, some symptoms are common with many brain stem injury cases. Some of the common brain stem injury symptoms include;
- Insomnia
- Slurred speech
- Balance issues
- Altered heart rate
- Abnormal sleeping patterns
- Breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Paralysis
- Impaired vision
- Hearing loss
- Loss of smell or sensation
- Coma
Maintaining proper medical records during the course of treatment is quite important. Medical records can play a crucial role in a personal injury case. Medical records can help a plaintiff prove their brain stem injury and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Treatment for Brain Stem Damage
The treatment a brain stem injury victim has to go through will depend entirely on their unique situation. But, generally, to treat a brain stem injury, one needs to address the symptoms. There are a number of therapies a victim can take part in to recover a lost bodily function. They include;
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Compensation for Damages Caused by Brain Stem Injuries
People or families of people who suffer brain stem injuries because of other people’s negligence deserve compensation. With the help of a legal representative, a plaintiff can recover compensation for, among others;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The amount of compensation you receive in your case will depend on several things. First, the financial losses you manage to prove will affect the value of your claim. Secondly, whether or not you played a role in causing the accident that led to you sustaining your injury can affect how much payment you receive. If you are found partly guilty of causing the accident that led to you sustaining a brain stem injury, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Also, whether you hire a skilled personal injury attorney to handle your case can impact how much payment you receive. When you work with a qualified and dedicated personal injury attorney, you increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Naples Personal Injury Attorney
If you, one of your family members, a friend, or someone you know sustained a brain stem injury because of another party’s negligence, do not hesitate to seek the help of a skilled Naples personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. We can help you even in a wrongful death case. Contact us today at 239-649-8050 to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/768.81
