Acquired brain injury can occur at the time of the injury or can develop due to bleeding or swelling of the brain. The brain is responsible for all movements and thoughts of the body. Acquired brain injury can change how a person thinks and feels, how they communicate with others, their memory, and how they experience the world. Injuries may be immediately evident such as an inability to walk or may be “hidden” such as personality changes, only evident to close friends and family.
What is an Acquired Brain Injury?
The brain is made up of three main areas: the cortex, the cerebellum and brain stem. Road traffic accidents or traumatic events often cause injury to the cortex as it is located at the front of the head. The cortex is the thinking part of the brain controlling speaking, reading, writing and memory etc. Injury to the cortex can lead to personality changes and behavioural disorders.
The Cerebellum is at the base of the brain. Damage to this area can cause problems with co-ordination, balance and posture.
Brain Stem is the most important part of the brain as it controls all survival functions, e.g. breathing, consciousness and heartbeat. When someone is described as brain stem dead, this suggests that the individual is no longer able to function at any level.
Acquired Brain Injury & Medical Negligence Claims
Brain injury can occur in relation to medical negligence claims, where the medical treatment causes the injury or where there is a negligent delay in diagnosing and treating the injury. This can happen where there is a delay in diagnosing meningitis, failure to diagnose a brain tumour, failure to treat haemorrhage post surgery.
We have previously been involved with a case where a gentleman attended at A & E with severe headache. This was wrongly diagnosed as sinusitis and he was discharged, only to collapse at home due to sub-arachnoid haemorrhage.
If you or your loved one has suffered an acquired brain injury through an accident or medical negligence, please contact Melanie Power direct on 061-513055 or email our medical negligence solicitors on [email protected].
