Concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be very serious, and they can occur in a wide variety of situations, such as car accidents and workplace accidents. The symptoms of a brain injury may not be readily apparent, and they may not appear until days or weeks after the injury occurred. However, they can have a major impact on the life of a person and their family, affecting a victim’s motor skills, vision, hearing, memory, and emotional health. Because of these dangers, it is important to identify brain injuries as soon as possible, and some recent advances in medical technology may help determine the best course of action for injury victims.
Blood Tests for Head Injury Evaluations
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a method of using a blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions in adults. This test, known as the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator (BTI), measures proteins that are typically released into the bloodstream by the brain within 12 hours after a person experiences a brain injury. By testing the levels of these proteins, doctors can better predict whether a person has experienced a TBI and whether further tests and treatment may be necessary.
While the Banyan BTI may be able to provide a useful tool to help doctors diagnose TBIs, it is not a reliable indication of whether or not a brain injury has occurred. In fact, it is primarily used to determine whether a CT scan should be used to diagnose a head injury, and it can help patients avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation if a CT scan is not needed. However, it should also be noted that a negative BTI result is not conclusive proof that a brain injury did not occur.
Contact Our Appleton Brain Injury Lawyers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million people experience traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year. In addition, brain injuries result in over 50, 000 deaths on an annual basis. Because of these risks faced by an injury victim, it is important to receive immediate medical treatment if you believe you have suffered a TBI. While a blood test may help with the diagnosis of a potential injury, doctors should take all necessary steps to determine whether a traumatic brain injury has occurred and identify the proper treatments.
If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the party or parties who were responsible. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our Green Bay personal injury attorneys can help you determine your legal options and work to ensure that you receive the financial compensation that fully addresses the damages you have suffered. Contact us today at 920-739-7366 to set up a free consultation.
Sources:
brainhttps://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-first-blood-test-aid-evaluation-concussion-adults
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20180223concussiontest.html
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html