In her decade of military service, Adrienne Kinne noticed a significant decline in the quality of health care provided by the Veteran Administration. Prior to the Iraq War, an end-of-service physical, for example, was routine. At the end of 2003, as she completed her duty in the army reserve, Kinne was discouraged from requesting such a physical. She finished her education and landed a job at a VA hospital where she worked with a research unit examining post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Believing that the VA system should pledge to serve the needs of all returning veterans, she was shocked to hear that plans to develop a screening mechanism for traumatic brain injuries was scuttled due to lack of "resources." Kinne believes that the system lacks a commitment to preventative health care, although, she adds, the best preventive plan is to avoid sending service men and women to fight in "illegal occupations in the first place." www.ivaw.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlWQv5O8gEE&hl=en
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Subarachnoid Hemorrhaging
There are many developments that can arise following head trauma that can be extremely damaging and potentially deadly. These injuries can range from blows that crush brain matter through the force of the hit to damages that develop over a short period of time, eventually catching up to the injured person. Although rare when compared to other forms of brain injury, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can be very dangerous for any individual to go through, often resulting in the sufferer's death or permanent brain damage.
To understand the danger of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, it helps to understand where and what occurs during this condition. Known as the arachnoid mater, this layer of tissue, one of three layers known collectively as the meninges, wraps around the brain and helps to keep the nervous system running smoothly. However, if an injury should occur, a tear in the web-like tissue can cause blood to erupt into the area. Although this within itself is extremely unsafe to the sufferer, other complications can develop in these injuries that may additionally endanger a person.
Known as a vasospasm, the blood vessels in the arachnoid mater may actually contract during a major hemorrhage, causing the brain to lose blood and oxygen in the process. Without proper treatment to prevent these blood vessels from shutting down the flow of oxygen to the brain, a person may die from this complication.
A hemorrhage of this kind can be the cause for additional injuries if a person survives the event itself, which is usually signaled by an agonizing headache that may begin and end within seconds or a few minutes. Cognitive skills and abilities may deteriorate due to the damages caused by the stroke, or a person may even enter into a coma.
To learn more about the legal rights of brain injury victims, contact a personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured by a negligent party and have suffered undue brain damages, contact the Charleston personal injury attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm today.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Types of Memory Loss
The brain is a phenomenal component of human function and interaction. This massively powerful organ is vital to human thinking, movement and overall functioning. However, it is also an extremely sensitive organism, making it susceptible to injury. Because of this, traumatic head injuries can easily lead to brain damage in many forms, including memory loss. The loss of memory function is a very serious injury, and by better understanding what the symptoms of memory loss are, you are better able to take steps for the protection of your personal well-being and the well-being of those you love.
Memory Loss Symptoms
The loss of memory function can be caused through a number of means, including brain growths, suffocation, brain surgery, depression, and serious head injuries or concussions. No matter the cause, it is important to note the many symptoms that can be indicative of a diminishing memory function, which can be permanent or temporary but should always be looked over by a medical professional. These include the following:
No longer being able to remember important dates
Losing the ability to remember appointments and plans
Running errands only to forget the purpose of the trip
Having trouble staying on track or frequently getting lost
Suddenly forgetting how to complete common, routine tasks
Overall confusion with everyday things
Inability to focus or stay alert
Having difficulty making decisions
When the above symptoms occur, they may be a sign of impaired memory abilities, which should be considered a serious occurrence deserving of medical attention. If your loss of memory abilities or the memory loss of a loved one has been caused due to an injury occurring while on the job, an experienced legal professional can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
For More Information
For more information on memory loss, brain injuries, or workers' compensation, visit the website of the Pennsylvania head injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today.
David Caldwell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)