Many times on this website, I have mentioned that early treatment is critical for those suffering from serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. But, just how important is it to get quick and effective treatment if your loved one has been involved in an accident and sustained one of these injuries? On this page, I will discuss some of the major benefits of early treatment for brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Acute Phase Treatment
As soon as a person sustains a spinal cord or brain injury, they enter the acute phase. Treatment during this phase includes treatment at the scene of the accident, treatment after first being admitted to a hospital, and treatment until the patient enters the rehabilitation phase.
First, it is important for a person facing a serious injury to get treatment in the acute phase in order to preserve their life. In the event of a serious injury, especially to the spine or the brain, death is a real possibility. Immediate medical attention can assess a patient’s condition and do everything possible to save their life.
It is also important to get treatment for your loved one during the acute phase to make sure that they remain stable and that long term injuries are minimized. One important aspect of immediate treatment is to reduce or stop swelling to the injured area. Swelling can be a big problem in the spine or the brain; it can cause additional injuries and long term consequences for the patient. If a medical team can begin reducing and monitoring swelling in the injured area, it can reduce their long term injuries. Other treatments, such as surgery, medication, immobilization, bed rest, and more, can keep the patient stabilized and immediately begin working to maximize their quality of life.
Rehabilitation Phase Treatment
Once a patient is stabilized, they will pass into the rehabilitation phase. Treatment during this phase is also important to help a patient recover from their injuries. In the rehabilitation phase, a person will focus on maintaining quality of life and regaining certain abilities. Oftentimes, in this phase a person will rely on physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy to help the, regain as much use of their body as possible. Medication and other treatment options may also be useful for a patient at this time.
Getting Help
Certain drugs and treatments should be administered to those who sustain serious injuries within a few hours of an accident. Making sure that your loved one gets treatment as soon as possible can preserve their life and their quality of life in many cases. While quick action does not always make a difference, depending on the severity of the injury, in many cases it can help. If your loved one has sustained a serious injury as a result of an accident, please contact my office. I am happy to answer your questions, help you find the right rehabilitation center for your loved one, and help your family get justice for your loved one’s accident.
