Brain Trauma

Published on: February 24, 2012

No one is certain what really causes primary explosive blast traumatic brain injury

by Stephen Bilkis

No one is certain what really causes primary explosive blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI), according to doctors. Clearly, the “cause” is the explosion and the mechanism by which it works is the interaction of explosive force upon the human body, but this does not medically explain everything that occurs.

There are primary and secondary injury mechanisms when it comes to trauma. Primary injury mechanisms can be attributed directly to the cause of the injury, like laceration from a cut. Secondary injuries are physiological responses, like bleeding or bruising. When it comes to bTBI, professionals have learned, there is probably more than one primary injury mechanism involved.

The blast produced by an explosive device travels through a medium like air or water in a wave of pressure. Basically, a great deal of energy is chemically produced. Mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic energy is transferred into the surrounding medium, and into anyone who happens to be in the blast radius.

Published on: February 21, 2012

There is a need for a quantitative measure when it comes to head impacts

by Stephen Bilkis

There is a need for a quantitative measure when it comes to head impacts, many studies have noted. This is important to medical experts, as well as those who seek to prevent head damage, like motorcycle helmet manufacturers, or car manufacturers. If these qualities and factors are not tested, there is no way to know, short of letting accidents happen, the best way to offer protection so brain injury does not occur at all.

The acceleration of the head is the primary factor most consider when it comes to the tolerance of the head to impact, doctors and hospitals have discovered. The duration of impact is also important to determine the severity of head injury. One among several measures used to quantify head impact is the Head Injury Criterion, or HIC. This is the most widely used method. While this method has its detractors, there are reasons why it is still used so widely, when it comes to the tolerance of the brain to blunt impact to the head.

The beginning of the method began in the 1940s and continued through the 1960s, using cadaver heads. The cadavers were subjected to blows to the forehead and results were compared and mathematically plotted. In time, car companies began to suggest and aid further avenues of research, and American football players were also included in such studies. The results helped to show how unlikely brain injury was without direct contact to the head, and were the basic building blocks for the HIC, which doctors and hospitals in The Bronx and Brooklyn use to this day.

Published on: February 13, 2012

Derek Boogaard Found Dead at 28

by Stephen Bilkis

Derek Boogaard, a 28-year-old NHL player, was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment by his two brothers, unconscious, but not breathing. It was too late to get him to a hospital and he died there, sources told reporters.

Investigators were unable to find any signs of foul play, they did find any sign Boogaard was injured, either. Those who follow sports were able to make an important link, however – the NHL player had not played for five months since he sustained a concussion in a fight. Boogaard’s parents had allowed their son’s brain to be donated to medical experts who study brain trauma in athletes at Boston University, allowing more pieces of the puzzles to be filled in.

It is still too early to tell what the official cause of Boogaard’s death might be – it will be some time before a full autopsy can be completed. Everyone suspects brain trauma was a major factor, however, if not the only real factor.

Published on: November 27, 2011

Sports are not really known for causing major head injury

by Stephen Bilkis

Sports are not really known for causing major head injury, according to experts, but as technology advances, people may find more opportunity for engaging in different sports where the potential for injury is more prevalent. Sports only accounted for between 3% and 5% of head injuries in the 1950s and 1960s, it rose to 12% by the 1980s. Mild head injuries related to sports or recreation were more likely to occur in males than in females, with males peaking at 10-14 years of age, but females peaking about 5 years earlier.

Horseback riding has seen its share of head injuries as it becomes more popular, doctors have discovered. In the country of Sweden, there were a number of riding accidents, but very few caused head injuries and even fewer were fatal. In a Canadian study, head injuries occurred in 92% of 156 riding injuries, and were determined to cause all 11 deaths. That number was 79% of all deaths associated with horseback riding.

Boxing has caused a great deal of controversy, because it may very well cause a great deal of brain injury. The sport, however, has contributed a great deal to the understanding of brain damage due to repeated blows to the head. Regulation has reduced the number of fatalities. Even though a knockout involves inducing a coma lasting more than 10 seconds from a blow to the head, investigations fail to show evidence of lost of intellectual capacity in boxers, when they are studied under control conditions in Long Island and New York City.

Published on: November 17, 2011

The way surgeons deal with shrapnel or bone fragments in the brain has changed since the days of Korea or Vietnam

by Stephen Bilkis

The way surgeons deal with shrapnel or bone fragments in the brain has changed since the days of Korea or Vietnam, doctors tell reporters. It was once the standard to remove every last fragment of bone or any other foreign body, so the brain would have a lower risk of infection and there would be less chance of developing post-traumatic epilepsy. Studies of Vietnam War patients has shown that removal of all fragments is not actually necessary, though objects that cause gross contamination should still be removed.

Closure of the scalp and replacement of the dura are absolutely vital to prevent, or at least reduce the chance of, CSF leakage and meningitis. A soldier who seems to have good neurological status, with only small fragments in the brain may be able to be treated locally to prevent leakage. One with a more extensive injury will have to undergo a large decompressive creniectomy and removal of the fragments.

Another source of head injury from an explosive blast can result from being bodily thrown by the explosion. The soldier’s head could strike some other object, causing tertiary blast injury. This can cause injuries in a number of places in the patient’s skull. There is also the risk of infection in cases such as these, often from bacteria that are drug-resistant. A number of dangerous injuries can result from such a brain trauma. It can be very important to repair such injuries as facial fractures quickly. Doctors in Manhattan and Brooklyn know this.

Published on: November 2, 2011

Sledding can be dangerous

by Stephen Bilkis

Many young people love to go sledding especially when school is out and they can have loads of fun in the park. However, parents have to make sure that their kids are safe when it comes to sledding. In the past, it has been the reason for many emergency room visits; some that are very traumatic.

The current weather conditions make it even more fun as children from all over delve into the snow to feel the exhilaration of sledding. One local physician agreed that although sledding is fun, both parents and children have to keep in mind that extra care has to be taken. In fact, both physician and Lawyer recall many incidents that occur where the individual receive massive injuries to the brain that changed their lives considerably.

The emergency rooms at many local hospitals in Long Island, according to one source, are busy during the winter months with accidents related to sledding. Injuries range from a broken arm or leg to a severe brain injury.

Published on: October 27, 2011

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is now a well-defined clinical syndrome, according to New York Brain Injury Lawyers

by Stephen Bilkis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is now a well-defined clinical syndrome, according to New York Brain Injury Lawyers. The 2000 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision states that some patients who experience life-threatening events might well feel intense fear or helplessness which becomes PTSD.

Victims of PTSD suffer through a number of symptoms, which may include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, a loss of concentration, sudden anger or irritation, hypervigilance, and a heightened response to being startled. All of these can cause a detrimental effect on the victim to enjoy life.

Mild explosive blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has many of these symptoms in common with PTSD, including changes in sleep patterns and moods. There are some differences, however, studies have learned. Headaches, for instance, are much more likely with TBI, while hypervigilance and the tendency to startle more easily is more common with PTSD.

Published on: September 28, 2011

State Representative Teacher Breaks up Fight and Ends up with TBI

by Stephen Bilkis

Dewayne Bunch, a Whitley County High School teacher and State Representative, is reportedly improving after sustaining a head injury when trying to break two boys apart during a school cafeteria altercation. According to the public relations and marketing director for Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the 49-year-old’s recovery is going nicely.

The teacher, sustaining serious injuries, was immediately transported to Baptist Regional Medical Center. The then had to be transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Two weeks later, he was again relocated to the intensive care unit at Shepherd Center, a hospital specializing in the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries where he improved so much that he was able to be moved to the hospital’s rehabilitation unit.

His wife expressed sincere thanks. She was quoted as saying, “I appreciate the outpouring of support and kindness we’ve received from the community. Please continue to keep [my husband] in your prayers as he continues his journey to recovery.”

Published on: September 10, 2011

Prescribed medication the cause of child’s death

by Stephen Bilkis

A New York Brain Injury Lawyer indicated that the health department of the military is rejecting insurance claims for brain injury patients who have had traumatic injuries. They are doing this even though doctors and lawyers across the nation are supporting it.

The agency did their own internal study in 2009 and reported that they found that cognitive rehab therapy done for brain injuries by itself was not scientifically proven to work for patients. They claim that this kind of therapy takes too long and is too expensive.

A representative from the Military Times newspaper, said, “There is not much evidence provided by research that proves the benefits of treatment provided to a traumatic brain injury patient.” A NYC Brain Injury Lawyer and other law makers disagree that this is the case. Of course, the projected amount for a program that last for four months is $50,000, which is reasonable considering the type of injury. The patient will have to relearn specific motor skills.

Published on: August 25, 2011

The way surgeons deal with shrapnel or bone fragments in the brain has changed

by Stephen Bilkis

The way surgeons deal with shrapnel or bone fragments in the brain has changed since the days of Korea or Vietnam, doctors tell NY City Brain Injury Lawyers. It was once the standard to remove every last fragment of bone or any other foreign body, so the brain would have a lower risk of infection and there would be less chance of developing post-traumatic epilepsy. Studies of Vietnam War patients has shown that removal of all fragments is not actually necessary, though objects that cause gross contamination should still be removed.

Closure of the scalp and replacement of the dura are absolutely vital to prevent, or at least reduce the chance of, CSF leakage and meningitis. A soldier who seems to have good neurological status, with only small fragments in the brain may be able to be treated locally to prevent leakage. One with a more extensive injury will have to undergo a large decompressive creniectomy and removal of the fragments, New York Brain Injury Lawyers have learned.

Another source of head injury from an explosive blast can result from being bodily thrown by the explosion. The soldier’s head could strike some other object, causing tertiary blast injury. This can cause injuries in a number of places in the patient’s skull. There is also the risk of infection in cases such as these, often from bacteria that are drug-resistant. A number of dangerous injuries can result from such trauma, New York Brain Injury Lawyers know. It can be very important to repair such injuries as facial fractures quickly. Doctors in New York City and Long Island must be aware of the different kinds of injuries which result from brain trauma.