Texas residents who follow sports news are probably aware that a growing body of research is emerging that paints a damaging light on the numerous and violent hits that football players take over the course of their careers. Some athletes have been found to have developed a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, often shortened to “C.T.E.” This condition can change the way the players’ function, their abilities to cope and how they interact with the world.
C.T.E. is a form of brain injury, and any brain trauma can be devastating to a victim. Individuals who are involved in personal injury accidents, like vehicle collisions, or who are victims of violent acts, may suffer concussions and more severe brain injuries as a result of their situations. If a brain injury is not recognized early on, a victim may not be given the best possible treatments for the conditions.
Certain diagnostic tests may be used to assess the severity of a victim’s brain injury, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, CT scans, MRIs and intracranial pressure monitoring. Doctors who responsibly use these techniques may be able to identify problems afflicting their brain injury patients and get them the medical help that they require.
A doctor’s dismissal of a patient who may have suffered a brain injury may be a failure on their part to recognize and identify a serious medical condition. The failure of a medical professional to investigate, treat or diagnose a brain injury may leave a person with life-long challenges and complications. Their ongoing suffering may form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor or medical professionals who erroneously missed their brain injury diagnosis.
