Medical errors that may cause a brain injury include:
- Surgical errors: A lack of oxygen to the brain during surgery can result in serious brain damage. An example would be excessive bleeding during a procedure that results in decreased oxygenation or improperly intubating a patient. Brain injuries may also be caused by infections acquired during a surgical procedure.
- Anesthesia errors: The improper use of anesthesia, such as administering too much at once or to a patient who is allergic, may lead to brain injuries.
- Diagnostic errors: This type of error occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose a medical condition correctly and/or promptly enough, such as failing to diagnose a patient’s stroke or pulmonary embolism in time.
- Medication errors: For example, when a patient is given the wrong dosage of a medication, or even the wrong prescription altogether.
- Birth injuries: A doctor may cause brain damage to a newborn if a medical mistake occurs during the child’s birth, such as failing to recognize fetal distress or misuse of a vacuum or forceps.
Brain injuries often result in the need for extensive follow-up treatment and care, potentially for life, so it is imperative that you seek compensation for medical negligence with the help of an Albuquerque brain injury lawyer from James Wood Law if you were injured. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Traumatic vs. Acquired Brain Injuries
When it comes to brain injuries, there are two main categories: traumatic and acquired.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are typically caused by external forces, such as a blow to the head or penetration of the skull by a foreign object – for example, in a car accident. These injuries often result in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of the brain tissue and can have severe consequences, including permanent disability or even death.
On the other hand, acquired brain injuries (ABI) are caused by internal factors such as stroke, infection, tumor, or lack of oxygen. While the symptoms of acquired brain injuries can be like those of traumatic ones, the underlying causes are very different. Acquired brain injuries are more commonly caused by medical malpractice.
What If My Doctor Failed to Properly Treat My Brain Injury?
Medical negligence can exacerbate the effects of brain injuries, causing unnecessary harm to patients who are already dealing with a serious condition. Whether it's a failure to diagnose a brain injury, inadequate treatment options, or improperly administered medication, medical malpractice can worsen recovery times and even lead to permanent long-term damage.
Brain injuries can be debilitating, affecting cognitive abilities, motor function, and the overall quality of life. It is crucial that healthcare professionals take diligent care when treating patients with brain injuries to avoid worsening the condition. Doctors must prioritize thorough assessments, personalized treatment plans, and vigilant monitoring.
Treatment for Brain Injuries
Treatment for brain injuries caused by medical malpractice typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including immediate medical intervention, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Here’s a detailed look at the treatment process for such injuries:
- Emergency Medical Treatment
- Stabilization: The initial priority is to stabilize the patient, ensuring adequate oxygen supply and blood flow to the brain.
- Surgery: In cases of traumatic brain injury or stroke, emergency surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the brain, repair damaged blood vessels, or remove blood clots.
- Medication
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs: To reduce brain swelling and inflammation.
- Anticoagulants: For stroke patients, to prevent further blood clots.
- Antibiotics: If the brain injury is due to infection, antibiotics are administered to fight the infection.
- Pain Management: Pain relievers and sedatives may be used to manage discomfort and agitation.
- Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy: To help patients regain motor skills, balance, and strength.
- Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving the ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks.
- Speech Therapy: Assists with communication issues and swallowing difficulties that can result from brain injuries.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: Helps patients with memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions impacted by brain injury.
- Psychological and Emotional Support
- Counseling: Individual or family counseling to address emotional and psychological impacts of the brain injury.
- Support Groups: Participation in support groups for patients and their families to share experiences and coping strategies.
- Assistive Devices
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, or other devices to assist with mobility.
- Communication Aids: Devices or software that help with communication for those with speech impairments.
- Adaptive Equipment: Tools and devices that help with daily living activities, such as specialized utensils or bathing aids.
- Long-term and Specialized Care
- Nursing Care: For patients with severe brain injuries who require ongoing medical care and supervision.
- Residential Care: Specialized facilities for long-term care if the patient cannot be cared for at home.
- Educational Support: For children with brain injuries, special education programs to support learning and development.
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Acupuncture: May help with pain management and overall well-being.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Used in some cases to improve oxygen supply to damaged brain tissue.
- Neurofeedback: A technique that trains patients to control brain waves and improve brain function.
At James Wood Law, our award-winning medical malpractice team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of medical negligence, including those who suffered strokes, brain damage, and other devastating injuries in a variety of medical settings. Because medical malpractice cases involving strokes are complex and fact-specific, we encourage anyone with a potential claim to consult our team for a free consultation.
Speak with Our Brain Injury Lawyer in Albuquerque Today
The brain accounts for just two percent of an adult's body weight. However, the brain uses 18% of all the energy the body uses at rest. Our brains define us as individuals. Every emotion, thought, sight, smell, sound, and taste depends on the proper function of the brain. How we relate to the people in our lives also depends on our brain.
If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury as a result of medical malpractice, you have the right to seek compensation – not only for the financial losses you have incurred, but also for the lasting effect this type of injury may have on your life. Call our Albuquerque brain injury attorneys at James Wood Law for help.
Call (505) 906-6774 or contact us online to discuss your rights and legal options in a free consultation.
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