Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at LawFindLaw IM Template2024-01-16T20:32:55Zhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1101409/2019/04/cropped-Directory_image-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=534192024-01-16T20:32:55Z2024-01-16T20:32:55Z
Depression or anxiety
Changes in personality
Changes in emotional affect
Behavioral changes
Depression, which is sometimes associated with sadness, can feel like having a rain cloud over you that will not go away, even on sunny days. People who suffer brain injuries and, as a result, develop depression can feel this way and not know it is because of their brain injury.
Diagnosis
Most times, a scan or a blood test cannot identify these complications, which is why it is difficult to identify the symptoms and treat them, as most tests cannot measure the emotional effects of brain injuries.
This is why it is so important for people who suffer from a brain injury to remain alert for how they feel, not only after the event that caused the brain injury but long after the event.
How the brain manages emotions
When a person sustains a brain injury, it can cause emotions to go haywire because the brain acts like a control center for emotions.
The individual may feel more down or anxious than usual, and it is not something you can see from the outside. It is very tough for the person experiencing it because others might not understand what they are going through.
A person with a brain injury figuratively fights against an invisible symptom unless medical professionals who understand brain injuries thoroughly identify it as stemming from the injury and treat it.
These emotional battles are not immediately clear. It can take time for these conditions to develop, which is why it is crucial for everyone around the individual to be supportive and compassionate about their emotional changes.
Other symptoms to look out for are:
Feeling frustrated or sad because they no longer enjoy activities they used to enjoy,
Wanting to be alone often (isolation),
Significant changes in how that person behaves with other people (a person who was never particularly angry begins having angry outbursts).
Awareness is the first step towards recovery. Understanding that this is real and could happen is important. Then, ensuring the individual seeks help and support and receives proper treatment for their symptoms is critical for recovery.
In the end, understanding and compassion go a long way. People might not see the emotional battles from the outside, but that does not mean the person is not experiencing them. Offering support and showing kindness is critical when dealing with people who might show signs of harm from the brain injury.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=533682023-09-25T16:20:43Z2023-09-25T16:20:43ZExtreme emotions
One of the most striking changes after a TBI is the emotional rollercoaster that individuals often experience. Previously stable emotions can become erratic, with mood swings becoming the norm.
A person who was once calm and collected may now find themselves easily agitated or even experiencing bouts of intense anger or sadness. This emotional turbulence can be challenging for both the individual and their loved ones to navigate.
Increased irritability
Following a TBI, irritability tends to rise to the forefront of a person's mind. Even minor inconveniences or frustrations can trigger outbursts of anger or irritability that were previously uncharacteristic.
Considering agitation and aggression show up in 70% of post-TBI patients, according to the National Library of Medicine, signs of anger after this injury need close attention. This heightened irritability can strain relationships and make daily interactions more challenging.
Heightened anxiety
Another common emotional shift post-TBI is more anxiety. Individuals may become more apprehensive about their future, health and overall well-being. This heightened anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like restlessness, trembling or trouble sleeping, further compounding the challenges of recovery.
Decreased emotional regulation
A TBI often impairs a person's ability to regulate their emotions effectively. This means that individuals may find it challenging to control their emotional responses to various situations. Simple tasks, such as managing frustration or disappointment, can become huge hurdles.
Impaired social interactions
Attitude and emotional changes can profoundly impact a person's ability to engage in social interactions. Some individuals may become withdrawn, avoiding social situations due to anxiety or fear of emotional outbursts. Others may struggle with understanding social cues, leading to misunderstandings and strained relationships.
Shifted self-perception
After a TBI, an individual's self-perception can undergo serious changes. They may grapple with feelings of inadequacy, diminished self-esteem or a sense of lost identity. These shifts can be particularly challenging as they force individuals to redefine who they are in the context of their new reality.
With the right support, individuals can learn to cope and adapt to their new emotional reality. This change can ultimately improve their quality of life post-TBI.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=529382023-06-26T20:15:10Z2023-06-26T20:15:10ZPatients do not always lose consciousness
Many people believe that you can only suffer a concussion if you lose consciousness. This often leads to dismissing serious incidents that could cause a brain injury. The truth is that mild to moderate concussions happen with or without a change in consciousness.
Concussions happen without a blow to the head
Another common misconception is that concussions only happen as a result of direct blows to the head. The truth is that you can have a concussion without ever hitting your head. If you suffer an injury that causes your neck to move rapidly, that can shift your brain and cause it to collide with your skull. That impact alone causes concussion even without external impact.
Symptoms of concussion can appear later
You might assume that you would know right away if you experience a concussion, but that is not always the case. Some concussions exhibit symptoms quickly, but others are more subtle. You might develop a headache a few hours after the accident, or even the next day. Confusion can develop over the next several days as well. Any changes after a head injury or trauma should warrant a medical evaluation.
These are important facts about concussions that everyone should understand. Seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect any brain injury.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527922023-04-17T17:24:30Z2023-03-25T01:48:01ZDefining a concussion or TBI
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain moves rapidly back and forth within the skull. The bouncing and twisting that takes place cause chemical changes within the brain that often damage and alter the brain cells. A concussion is a type of TBI. This can come from a blow, bump or jolt to the head.
Defining the protection needed against a TBI
Football helmets or other headgear worn as protection against a head injury have a design that can protect the wearer from certain types of head injuries. The primary risks addressed by helmets are skull fractures or open head injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no helmets considered concussion-proof. A helmet does not prevent the head from moving rapidly in either direction upon impact. When the body or head is struck with enough force, the brain will still move around and slam into the sides of the skull.
Though helmets are not comprehensive protection against a TBI, wearing one reduces the risk of more serious head trauma. A helmet can prevent open wounds and broken bones, making them an important part of sports equipment.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527902023-01-04T20:12:16Z2023-01-04T20:12:16Ztraumatic brain injury can lead to depression either due to physical changes in the brain, an emotional response to the injury or a predisposition toward depression. Regardless of the root cause, there are options available to help you treat or cope with depression following a TBI.
1. Counseling and psychotherapy
In many cases, living a fulfilling life with depression is a matter of adapting to a new way of behaving or perceiving the world and oneself. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help facilitate this process and guide your experience toward coping, while other forms of therapy might also focus on improving your mood through activity.
2. Prescribed medication
Antidepressant medication can reduce the symptoms of depression by rebalancing the chemicals in the brain. Finding the right medication plan can be a lengthy process and one that you should cooperate with your doctor toward completing.
3. Seeking support
It is important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness nor something you can expect to just "get over." Speaking about the issue with friends, family members or like-minded groups with similar backgrounds to your own can be the best way to come to terms with your situation and find a productive solution.
Finding a lifestyle that brings you joy while learning to cope with depression is a unique and personal journey. Deciding where to start is the first step you can take after sustaining a traumatic brain injury.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527882022-09-19T11:27:24Z2022-09-19T11:27:24Zresults in serious conditions such as a head injury.
Hitting your head
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually caused by an external physical force jolting or striking your head. If you fall, you might hit your head on a hard surface. The force of this impact on your skull is almost guaranteed to cause some sort of trauma to your brain. Your brain forcefully bouncing around in your skull can also cause hemorrhaging, bruising and even bone fractures.
A closed head injury occurs when your head strikes an object and you experience damage to your brain and skull. A penetrating brain injury results from an object cracking your skull and entering an area of your brain.
Delayed or undetectable symptoms
Sometimes after a slip and fall, you might not show any outward symptoms of brain injury. Because of this, your medical provider may not give a correct initial diagnosis. As time passes, you might develop new or worsening symptoms. Common symptoms of TBI to recognize include headaches, confusion, problems with sleep and more.
After a fall you might not think to seek immediate medical attention, however, a thorough assessment of your condition may save you from future brain injury complications.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527872022-06-17T19:56:05Z2022-06-17T19:56:05ZSupporting their recovery involves managing the school's response and providing the help your student will need at home. Read on for specific ways you can support your student as they return to school.
What can the school do?
Most students will succeed with cooperation from their classroom teachers. Making simple academic adjustments, such as minimizing homework or reading assignments, may allow the student to complete their recovery while having access to in-person learning.
For more severe or persistent symptoms, parents can request a meeting with the school to discuss three different types of formal support plans: Individualized Education Plans, 504 Plans, and Response to Invention Protocol Plans. Your school can tailor each plan for your student's individual needs.
What can you do at home?
Encouraging your child to do well in school during recovery may feel uncomfortable, as the advice is counterintuitive for promoting academic success. Be prepared to suggest that your student:
Spend fewer hours at school and on schoolwork
Be given more time for tests and assignments
Receive help, such as tutoring, with schoolwork
Take rest breaks often
Reduce time spent on the computer, reading and writing
Supporting your student's gradual return to school by limiting the amount of strain they endure will ultimately allow your student to fully recover more quickly.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527842022-03-17T21:18:33Z2022-03-17T21:18:33ZConcussions usually take weeks or a few months to heal.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of post-concussion syndrome still are the cause of debate. However, the signs of lingering concussive symptoms are indisputable.
Signs of the syndrome
After a concussion, you can expect the typical recovery time to be three months. However, the post-concussion syndrome may last for a year or more. Signs of post-concussion syndrome include dizziness, tiredness, confusion, blurry vision, headaches, anxiety, sensitivity to noise and light, insomnia and an inability to concentrate. In rare cases, patients may experience a loss of smell or taste.
Contributing factors
The risk of experiencing post-concussive symptoms increases as you get older. The older you are, the more devastating a head injury can become. Another factor is gender. Women are more likely to receive a post-concussion syndrome diagnosis, but the reasons are not confirmed. Women may seek treatment more often, which increases their numbers.
Disputed causes
As stated above, the causes of post-concussion syndrome are in dispute. Some physicians claim the condition is due to mechanical damage to the brain and its nerves. A slightly more controversial opinion is that the disease is psychological because the symptoms mirror anxiety, PTSD or depression.
Regardless of what caused the post-concussive symptoms, if you experience them, seek immediate medical attention. You will likely want a second opinion since persistent symptoms' causes and treatments are still in dispute. Consult with a lawyer if you believe negligence or a willful act caused your injury.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527812022-01-12T03:15:24Z2022-01-12T03:15:24ZUnderstanding plasticity
When a traumatic brain injury occurs, damaged brain cells endeavor to repair themselves. Once the condition of the patient stabilizes, they begin creating new pathways among the still-healthy brain cells. Plasticity is the process whereby healthy cells take on certain functions that injured cells once performed.
Relearning skills and abilities
Much of what a TBI patient learned over his or her lifetime is still stored in the brain. However, the injury severed connections, blocking access to certain information. As a result, the patient may not remember how to perform even such basic activities like walking, bathing, eating and dressing. Rehabilitation helps the patient to relearn the skills of daily living that most people take for granted. Any kind of brain trauma affects communication skills, memory and other cognitive processes. The goal of a rehabilitation program is to help the patient relearn forgotten abilities and compensate for any lasting impairments.
Looking ahead
A TBI can leave its print on many areas of a patient’s life: physical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive and social. A rehabilitation program is essential for treating these issues, although it is an effective form of treatment that is far from inexpensive. If negligence on the part of another caused the brain injury, the victim has the right to expect compensation to cover medical expenses, long-term care, loss of earning potential and more.]]>On Behalf of Ronald W. Ramirez, Attorney at Lawhttps://www.ribramlaw.com/?p=527382021-09-16T17:30:53Z2021-09-16T17:30:53ZAbout TBI
Falls and motor vehicle crashes are the top two causes of TBI. A closed injury, caused by a bump to the head, may result in a concussion, which is a mild form of TBI, but the injury can also be much more serious. It can damage brain cells or neurons, which in turn may cause hyperexcitability.
A different path
The approach most doctors use today is to attempt to inhibit hyperexcitability. However, Indiana University researchers found that loss of brain tissue is the cause of initial damage to the brain. The nervous system works harder to compensate for the loss of function. Therefore, the research team developed a technique to stimulate rather than inhibit that activity.
The magnetic wave
According to a paper published in Neurotherapeutics, the technique uses a magnetic field to deliver magnetoelectric nanoparticles to a specific section of the brain. Then a magnetic wave stimulates the neural activity in that area. The technique is non-invasive, and researchers say it is effective for stimulating deep brain function.
A look ahead
Researchers believe the new brain stimulation technique will not only help TBI patients but those who are dealing with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Research is entering the next phase and the team hopes to begin studies with humans during the next two years.]]>